Marlin Firearms Model 1893 .30-30 Win 26″ Octagon Case Colored Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,085.00
LSB#: LSB250521RR024
Make: Marlin
Model: 1893
Serial Number: B9084
Year of Manufacture: 1910-1915
Caliber: .30-30 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 “30-30” at the receiver. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “B9084”.
Barrel Length: 26 Inch 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 u-notch semi-buckhorn elevator with riser. The upper tang has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes for mounting a tang sight (not included). The top of the receiver has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. There are compressions, scratches, nicks, and scuffs throughout. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some dust in the bore from storage. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear with some minor finish thinning and minor scratches on the barrel and buttplate, and on the right side of the action. Some screw heads are lightly tooled but have strong slots, while most of the screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in a out Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and the trigger has a crisp and clean break. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. We have not fired this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a notarized letter verifying the rifle’s history. See Our Assessment.
Our Assessment: This Marlin 1893 has an impressive story. The Notarized Letter that comes with this rifle reads-
“Marlin Firearms Company
Marlin, model 1893, 30-30 cal.
Ser# B9084
Octagonal barrel, case colored receiver
In 1950 Gladys June Williams purchased a case of 6 of the above description firearms from the Phelps Dodge Corporation, Copper Company. The firearms had been stored in the top floor of the old Phelps Dodge Mining Company store. At the time of the purchase the manager of the company informed Gladys that the rifles were salvaged from a surplus of firearms purchased to arm deputized men to restore peace during the 1915-1916 Clifton-Morenci Strike. Gladys gave the rifles as gifts to her husband, three brothers, and brother-in-law, Les Rogge. Les passed away in 1994. Les was married to Grace, sister of Gladys Irwin June Williams. Ray Milligan remembers coming across three or four interesting wood cases/crates while he was employed part-time in 1957-1958 at the Phelps Dodge Mercantile Store to transfer materials from the basement tot the top floor. Young and curious I opened and inspected the contents that later turned out to be the firearms purchased by my mother in law, Gladys Williams. Ray Milligan received the rifle described above from Grace Rogge as a gift in 2001. Grace Rogge passed away on March 13, 2007.” – Ray Milligan, 4/30/09. This letter, is also accompanied by a picture of the building in which the rifles were stored and discovered by Ray Milligan.
This Marlin Model 1893 is a prime example of early 20th-century American lever-action craftsmanship and innovation, particularly from an era when the rifle was evolving to accommodate modern smokeless powder cartridges. Manufactured between 1910 and 1915, this rifle is chambered in .30-30 Winchester — a cartridge that helped define the deer woods of North America and remains popular more than a century later.
The standout feature here is the rifle’s impressive level of original condition. With about 95% of its current finish retained and sharp case coloring still visible, it presents far better than many of its contemporaries. The bore is exceptional for its age, rating a 9.5/10 in our estimation, and the action is tight with a crisp trigger break. The 26-inch octagonal barrel and crescent steel buttplate give it the classic lines and heft collectors admire, while the “Special Smokeless Steel” marking confirms its transitional place in firearms history as Marlin moved into the smokeless powder age.
Mechanically sound and aesthetically striking, this 1893 is further enhanced by the inclusion of a notarized letter attesting to its provenance. While it’s a fine candidate for any Marlin collection, it’s equally attractive as a functional vintage shooter for the enthusiast who appreciates old-world engineering and balance. With its strong original finish, superb bore, and historical significance, this lever gun offers a rare combination of utility, legacy, and pride of ownership. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
