Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1894 94 25-20M WCF 24″ JM Marked Lever Rifle, C&R
Sold For: $1,078.26
LSB#: 220529TP036
Make: Marlin
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 301477
Year of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .25-20M (WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action 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. AUGUST 1. 1893.” in front of the rear sight and “25-20 M” at the receiver. The underside of the receiver is marked “301477”. The top tang is marked “MARLIN / MODEL ‘94”. The right shoulder of the barrel at the rear is marked “JM” in an oval.
Barrel Length: The half round half octagonal barrel is 24” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade slotted in a base that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn leaf with an elevator piece that is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (not included). The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut. The buttstock has a straight grip, straight comb, and a steel crescent buttplate while the forend has a steel nose cap. The wood shows some scattered compressions, nicks, and draglines. Most of these imperfections have darkened with age. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows nicks, dings, and scattered erosion and light pitting at the heel and toe. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Cose Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some very faint erosion scattered throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 68% of its metal finish. The receiver shows even scattered erosion with trace amounts of case coloring remaining in protected areas, namely the tangs. There is also scattered surface erosion throughout the receiver and lever. The mag tube and nose cap have a mottled patina appearance and light erosion. The barrel shows some infrequently dispersed little nicks and scratches. There are some more notable scratches on the bolt. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin 1894 model was preceded by their Models 1881, 1888 and 1889, finally resulting in a short action side ejecting rifle that was chambered in the same cartridges as Winchester’s Model 1892. The lever throw is shorter than any other stock pistol caliber lever action rifle and as smooth as they come. This vintage rifle is in Good-Very Good condition, in better condition than any of us are likely to be at over 100 years old. The mechanics are solid. With its half octagon half and round barrel, original stock, and chambered in .25-20 cartridge, this rifle is sure to get the attention of the Marlin collectors out there. Please see our photos and good luck!
