Marlin Model 1891 Deluxe ½ Round .22 Caliber Lever Action Takedown Rifle – MF’D 1895 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,950
Make: 
Marlin
Model: Model 1891, 3rd Variation
Serial Number: 117416
Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The upper tang is marked “MODEL / 1891” and the top of the frame is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The serial number is on the underside of the frame. The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D NOV. 19. 1878. APRIL 2. 1889. AUG. 12. 1890. MARCH 1. 1892”.
Barrel Length: 24″ Half Round/Half Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetail set blade and the rear sight is a dovetail set fixed notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are hand checkered walnut, showing original finish, hand cut deluxe checkering and a pistol grip configuration. There is a steel cap that is blued and a case color hardened crescent plate. There is a crack through the pistol grip on the underside behind the lower tang. The checkering is still very pronounced, with only light wear to the wrists and underside of the forearm. there is a tiny loss on the front edge of the right side wrist. The fit is practically perfect. There are many light scattered dings and marks, but all wear and age is natural. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the crescent steel plate. The stocks rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is a bit worn. There is even but mild erosion throughout the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning at the usual areas – the barrel at the forearm and the upper tang. The case coloring on the lever and plate has muted, but is barely still visible on the plate. There are a few freckles of surface rust that someone tried to clean. These are on the left side of the barrel ahead of the forearm and on the upper left edge of the frame. The majority of this fragile high polish blue finish is retained and all age and wear is natural. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine to Excellent condition, especially considering the age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This gun eventually (and with slight changes) became the Marlin Model 39, which has the designation of the oldest continually produced gun – ever. This is obviously for a reason and while we frequently speak highly of the Marlin levers, no one could doubt the near perfection in design that this gun exhibits. After over 100 years, almost no improvements have been conceived and implemented. This gun is really where it all started and is a superb example. The gun has deluxe wood and a special order barrel. The finish is largely retained and is surprisingly beautiful. You’d have a hard time finding a better Marlin, a better .22 and certainly a better Model 1891.

Marlin Model 1891 Deluxe ½ Round .22 Caliber Lever Action Takedown Rifle - MF'D 1895 Antique
Marlin Model 1891 Deluxe ½ Round .22 Caliber Lever Action Takedown Rifle – MF’D 1895 Antique