Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1891 Variation 4 32 CF Lever Action Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $4280

LSB#: 220121BF002

Make: Marlin

Model: 1891, 4th Variation

Serial Number: 74460

Year of Manufacture: 1892

Caliber: .32 Centerfire

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine

Markings: 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”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “74460”.

Barrel Length: 24? Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield dovetail set beaded blade and the rear sight is a dovetail set V-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are hand checkered walnut, showing original finish, hand cut deluxe checkering and an s-bottom pistol grip configuration. There is a steel cap that is blued and a case color hardened crescent plate. There is a cluster of compressions on the bottom of the forearm checkering and a compression in the checkering on the right side of the grip checkering. There are many light scattered dings, draglines, and compression marks, but all wear and age is natural. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the crescent steel plate. The plate shows a mottled patina with scraping at the heel and toe. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is a bit worn. There is even erosion and some scattered pitting throughout the grooves.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% 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 scattered nicks, dings, and scratches throughout the surfaces. There is erosion and pitting along the magazine tube. The screw heads are sharp. There is scattered faint pitting throughout the receiver and lever. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: 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. 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.