Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1893 .32-40 Winchester Lever Rifle, 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1062
LSB#: 211107MQ03
Make: Marlin
Model: 1893
Serial Number: 110681
Year of Manufacture: 1894, Antique
Caliber: .32-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
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. AUG. 1. 1893” and “32-40” at the receiver. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL / 1893”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “110681”.
Barrel Length: Cut to 25″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed at the front of the barrel. The tip of the bead appears to have been removed. The rear sight is a flip-up reversible U/V-notch leaf with a white diamond aim guide that is dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is equipped with a flip-up peep sight that is adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. The wood has generally darkened with age and shows finish loss throughout. There is a small crack in the right side of the wrist near the lower tang. The wood shows several scattered compressions, draglines, dings, and scratches throughout. The most notable of these imperfections is a compression on the right side of the buttstock. The wood is shy of the buttplate at the toe. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has mostly worn white with erosion and pitting that is most notable on the heel. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is slightly bright with erosion and some infrequent light pitting, mainly in the grooves. The rifling shows some wear but is well defined and deep.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is in scattered erosion and pitting throughout all metal surfaces. There are some trace amounts of blue in protected areas though the areas that have not worn white display a patina appearance. There is thinning at the leading edges of the receiver and barrel. There are scattered nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. The screw heads range from lightly tool marked to disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is the first rifle Marlin designed for, then new, smokeless powder cartridges. Marlin christened the improved lever-action Model 1893, and offered it as a rifle or a saddle-ring carbine, both featuring case hardened receivers and sporting blued Ballard match-grade barrels. It was produced from 1893 to 1936. This example was manufactured in 1894, making it rather early in production. This would be a good candidate for restoration given its respectable bore and smooth, functioning mechanics, and intact original stocks. Please see our photos and good luck!