Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1889 .44 Winchester 24″ Lever Rifle, 1891 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1650

LSB#: 210917MW07

Make: Marlin

Model: 1889

Serial Number: 50252

Year of Manufacture: 1891 Antique

Caliber: .44 Winchester (.44-40)

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 “44 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 upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled in two places for mounting a tang sight (not included).

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 small nicks, scratches, dings, and compressions. Some areas have darkened with age. There is a notable compression just behind the lower tang. The finish is worn. The LOP measures approximately 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the crescent steel buttplate, which has worn white and shows scattered light pitting. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Plus overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with some scattered light oxidation and defined rifling. There is stubborn fouling in some of the grooves.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 52% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning at all leading edges. The magazine tube shows some finish loss and a light patina throughout. There is finish loss on the bolt and hammer. The receiver shows scattered light oxidation throughout. There are evenly dispersed ding and scratches on the metal surfaces. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever safety has been removed. The hammer has a half cock safety position but will still fall if the trigger is pulled. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

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 second year of manufacture. It is in surprisingly good shape for a rifle that was obviously used. You can feel Western history come alive when you hold this rifle in your hands. Please see our photos and good luck!