First Year Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1889 .44-40 24” Lever Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: WY241202MH032
Make: Marlin
Model: 1889
Serial Number: 27189
Year of Manufacture: 1889 Antique
Caliber: .44 Winchester (.44-40)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube
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” and “44 W.”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The serial number is found on the underside of the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24” Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade set in a base dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight has been replaced. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled in two places for mounting a tang sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth wood with a capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. There are several scattered small nicks, scratches, dings, and compressions. Some areas have darkened with age. The finish is worn. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the crescent steel buttplate, which has worn white and shows scattered light pitting. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with some scattered light oxidation and defined rifling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its finish. Most of the metal has gone to white with traces of blue on the barrel. There is erosion throughout but concentrated on the receiver and muzzle. There are scratches and nicks throughout including some heavy tool marks around some of the screws. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. The sights have been replaced. Overall, this gun rates in about Fair to Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half cock safety position but will still fall if the trigger is pulled. 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: The Marlin Model 1889 Lever Action was the first of Marlin’s solid top, side ejection rifles. All the lever rifle models that followed (1894, 1895, 39 and 336) descend from this design. This example was produced in the second year of manufacture. It is in surprisingly good shape for a rifle that was obviously used. You can feel Western history come alive when you hold this rifle in your hands. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
