Marlin Safety Model 1894 .44 WCF Winchester Center Fire Lever Action Rifle – 1895 – Antique

Make: Marlin
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 125464
Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: .44 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Marlin Fire-Arms Co. New Haven, Ct. U.S.A. / Pat’d Oct. 11. 1887. April 2. 1889. Aug. 1. 1893.” and “.44 W.” The top of the frame is marked “Marlin Safety”. The upper tang is marked “Model / 1894”. The serial number is found on the underside of the frame.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a dovetail set front blade sight and a dovetail set leaf and elevator rear sight, with elevator present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are original finish hardwood. The wood to metal fit is exceptional and despite age darkening, surface marking and some dinging the wood is quite good for its age. There has certainly not been a refinish and there are no splits or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the curved steel buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good + overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue / Case Color Hardened
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is deep the entire length of the bore. There is scattered pitting in the grooves and erosion throughout – the bore remains very shootable.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows much thinning, muting of the case colors and a light drift to patina. There is no mentionable pitting and only pinprick erosion, primarily on the barrel. The case colors are still visible, the bolt retains the majority of its blue and the whole gun has an honest and well cared for appearance. The screw heads are serviceable though a bit worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good – Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as correctly. We have not test fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Marlin lever actions are often forgotten, especially next to the Winchesters, but they shouldn’t be. Marlin was there, building great quality and reliable rifles alongside Winchester and in the glory days of American Manufacturing. Both on the frontier, and even today, many prefer the Marlin to a Winchester – the current speed shooting World Record for a Lever Action Rifle is even held with a Marlin. This gun is an important piece in firearms history, in American history and will be an important piece in your collection. This particular gun is in .44, which is everyone’s favorite and retains a surprising amount of finish on both the metal and the wood.

Marlin Safety Model 1894 .44 WCF Winchester Center Fire Lever Action Rifle - 1895 - Antique
Marlin Safety Model 1894 .44 WCF Winchester Center Fire Lever Action Rifle – 1895 – Antique