Custom Engraved Marlin Model 1881 24” Octagon .32-40 WCF Rifle Antique 1886
SOLD FOR: $1,651.57
LSB#: LSB250802TS056
Make: Marlin
Model: Model 1881
Serial Number: 11716
Year of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: .32-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Markings: Much of the barrel markings have been removed by the aftermarket engraver. A faint “.32-40 Cal.” can be seen on the barrel just in front of the rear sight. Above the caliber marking appears to be the script “Spencer”, possibly the engraver’s signature. The original barrel address is mostly removed other than faint remnants. The Serial Number “11716” is stamped on the underside of the receiver.
Engraving: The full receiver, top strap, upper tang and the barrel down to the forearm cap are fully engraved with deep relief pin-dot scroll work, and very detailed custom Western action scenes on each side of the receiver. The right side of the receiver depicts a cowboy getting thrown from his horse and landing on his head! This is VERY detailed down to the horse’s hair flying, the cartridge belt the cowboy is wearing, and the blades of grass blowing in the background. The left side of the receiver depicts a classic stage coach robbery by a highwayman in the same detailed fashion.
Barrel Length: 24″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a dovetail set front blade and a dovetail set, rear semi buckhorn sight, with the elevator present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are likely replacements that were installed with the other aftermarket embellishments. The buttstock is inlaid with brass caricatures of bears on each side. The left is a profile of a bear’s head and the right side is a caricature of two bears fighting over a fish. The brass has been worn smooth. The stocks are varnished smooth wood with a straight stock with straight comb, capped forearm and a steel crescent buttplate. There is a significant chip out of the forearm near the cap and a couple of small cracks emanating from the receiver. The buttstock has two period repairs on both sides of the upper tang. Unfortunately, the buttstock replacement was not a good fit and is very loose between the tangs. The tangs do not appear to be bent, just the wrong size wrist for the rifle. There is age discoloration throughout the wood and multiple dings and scratches throughout. The LOP measures about 13 3/8″. The wood to metal fit is poor on the buttstock and better but not perfect on the forearm. The stocks rate in about Good to Fair overall condition, as replaced.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original, as period aftermarket engraved and nickeled.
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat darkened with mildly worn rifling. There is erosion and stubborn fouling throughout the bore. This writer would rate the bore as 5/10 as an antique.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 50% of its re-nickeled metal finish. In the areas where the nickel has worn, it has unfortunately been replaced with oxidation and pitting in many areas, particularly on the barrel. There is light frosting on many of the surfaces where the engraving is present, with a mottled finish. There is oxidation and pitting on the lever. The screw heads are tool-marked but still serviceable. Overall, this gun rates in about Good Condition as a period-refinished antique.
Mechanics: The action functions as designed, although the lever is sticky. The half-cock safety notch is functional. We have not test fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is an incredibly unique Marlin 1881 that has been period engraved and embellished aftermarket. Unfortunately, the finish on this prized piece has been allowed to erode and now there is a fair amount of rust colored patina on the areas where the finish is gone. That being said, this is an excellent aftermarket engraving job with a great deal of character and still an exceptional example of turning every day firearms into works of art. We’re sure this would have been one of the original owner’s prized possessions when it was done!
John Mahlon Marlin was born on May 6, 1836 near Windsor Locks, Connecticut. At the age of 18, he became an apprentice machinist with the American Machine Works. He later served as a machinist with Colt Patent Firearms of Hartford. In 1863, he started his own pistol manufacturing business in New Haven, concentrating on production of a small single-shot .22 caliber derringer.
The Marlin story later became intertwined with the Ballard breech loading rifle. These single-shot arms were invented by Charles H. Ballard of Worcester, Massachusetts, who received his original patent in 1861. Economic depression came to the United States in 1873, and diminishing sales forced Ballard into bankruptcy. All patent rights, equipment, parts inventories, and properties were purchased by New York arms dealers Schoverling and Daly, who handled sales and distribution of Ballard rifles after reaching an agreement with John Marlin to continue production. This partnership would prove to be highly successful for all parties involved.
In 1881, the Marlin Firearms Company was incorporated, and production of Ballard rifles continued under the Marlin banner until they were eventually discontinued circa 1891 due to the rising popularity of repeating rifles. Marlin-Ballard rifles were and are well-known for their accuracy and workmanship, and fancy-grade long-range rifles are eagerly sought after by modern collectors. Marlin continued to expand his product line, introducing his Model 1881 lever-action tubular magazine repeating rifle in that year. Many key features had been patented by Andrew Burgess and others, but John Marlin incorporated these into a single functional firearm. This rifle was available in a variety of calibers ranging from .32-40 to 45-70 Government, a feature that would not be duplicated by competing Winchesters for several more years.
Please see our detailed photos for a better understanding of the engraving and condition and good luck with your bids!!!
BF
