Marlin 1894 Century Limited .44-40 Win. Oct. 24” Lever Action Rifle 1994
SOLD FOR: $1,760.00
LSB#: LSB260120GM010
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894 Century Limited Commemorative
Serial Number: 94CL2256
Year of Manufacture: 1994 / Modern
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Magazine Tube
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “1894 CENTURY LIMITED”, “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / MODEL 1894 CLTD. CAL. 44-40 WIN.” and at the receiver with a “JM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Century Limited” and “1894-1994” with a circled engraving of a deer in the center. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked with a 2 Line Safety Warning. The upper tang is marked with the serial number “94CL2256”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY” inside an engraved border with scroll engraving at each end.
Engraving: The sides of the receiver, bolt and lever are heavily scroll engraved. The right side of the receiver is engraved with a circled picture of a horse and rider. The left side of the receiver has an engraving of a buck in a circle.
Barrel Length: The octagon barrel is 24″ in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall brass bead dovetailed into the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn “U” notch with a white diamond aiming point in the center. The sight is dovetailed into the top of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are fancy checkered walnut with a satin finish. The checkered wrist has a diamond outlined in the center of the checkering. The buttstock has a straight grip and a brass crescent shaped buttplate, and the forend has a blued nosecap. There are a few minor handling marks. The Marlin “Bullseye” is in the belly of the stock. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows a few light marks in its highly polished finish. The buttplate is in about Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel and magazine tube are blued. The receiver and lever are case colored and engraved.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The case coloring on the lever and receiver are vivid. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety as well as a lever safety. There is a cross bolt safety at the back of the receiver which blocks the hammer but allows it to fall when the trigger is pulled. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Marlin Model 1894 Century Limited rifle made to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Model 1894 rifle. This is a limited edition that was made for one year only. This limited edition run—reportedly capped at just 2,500 rifles—features classic Old West styling paired with fine embellishments, including extensive scroll engraving, game scene vignettes, and vivid case coloring. The rifle is chambered in .44-40 Winchester with a 24″ octagon barrel and full length magazine. It has a case colored receiver that is elaborately scroll engraved on its sides, along with a deer in the left center and a mounted cowboy in the center right. The stock is a fancy checkered walnut set-off with a highly polished brass buttplate.
This example is in Excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish. The case-colored receiver and lever remain vibrant, and the blued barrel and magazine tube show minimal signs of wear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minor fouling, rating 8.5/10. The fancy checkered walnut stocks are also in Excellent condition with only light handling marks, complemented by a highly polished brass crescent buttplate. Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly with its original safety features intact, including the half-cock, lever safety, and cross-bolt safety, demonstrating the reliable performance expected from Marlin rifles.
Overall, this is a highly attractive and collectible commemorative rifle that blends historical homage with fine craftsmanship and limited production appeal. Whether appreciated as a display piece or preserved as part of a Marlin collection, it stands as a fitting tribute to a century of lever-action excellence. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
– BF