Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1889 .38-40 Winchester Lever Rifle, 1890 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1900
LSB#: 210713ME07
Make: Marlin
Model: 1889
Serial Number: 41613
Year of Manufacture: 1890
Caliber: .38 WCF (38-40)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCT. 11. 1887. APRIL. 2. 1889” and “.38-W”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The serial number is found on the underside of the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a dovetail set front blade and a dovetail set rear leaf and elevator sight, in the semi buckhorn pattern and with the elevator retained. The rear sight dovetailed is loose and glides easily within the slot when pressed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth wood with a capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. There is light material loss on the bottom left side of the wrist where the wood meets the tang. There are several scattered nicks, scratches, dings, and compressions. Some areas have darkened with age. The LOP measures approximately 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the crescent steel buttplate, which shows a dark patina, oxidation, and scrapes. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with some scattered light oxidation and sharp rifling.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 10% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a mottled light patina throughout the metal. There is some blueing remaining in protected areas. There are some scattered little pits on the barrel and receiver as well as light scratches. The finish has completely thinned at the muzzle. The screw heads are slightly disfigured with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Good-Plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever safety is present and functional. The hammer has a half cock safety position but will still fall is the trigger is pulled hard enough.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1889 Lever Action was the first of Marlin’s solid top, side ejection rifles. All the lever rifle models that followed (1894, 1895, 39 and 336) descend from this design. This example was produced in the first year of manufacture. It is in surprisingly good shape for a rifle that was obviously used, and could still be used to take deer today. You can feel Western history come alive when you hold this rifle in your hands. Please see our photos and good luck!