Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1893 .32-40 Winchester Lever Rifle, 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2225
LSB#: 220124RP008
Make: Marlin
Model: 1893
Serial Number: 103117
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 left shoulder of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL SMOKELESS POWDER”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “103117”.
Barrel Length: 26″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade slotted to a base that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a circular aperture elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes for mounting a tang sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. There is a tiny nick on the right side of the wrist. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has been refinished and some faint oxidation can be seen under the finish. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original. The nose cap and buttplate have been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with some very faint erosion in the grooves. The rifling shows some wear but is well defined and deep.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish on the receiver is a light, even patina with some trace amounts of case color in protected areas and light erosion on the sides. The lever shows a darker patina throughout. The leading edges of the barrel have slightly thinned. There are some 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 Fine-Plus 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: An additional extractor is included.
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 example has been beautifully preserved with 80% finish remaining and beautiful walnut stocks. This is an excellent piece for the collection. Please see our photos and good luck!