Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1888 .38-40 Winchester Lever Rifle, 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 210917MW85
Make: Marlin
Model: 1888
Serial Number: 23996
Year of Manufacture: 1889 Antique
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle With Full Length, 13-Round Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCTOBER 11 1887” and at the receiver with “38-W”. The underside of the trigger plate is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: The octagonal barrel is 24” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled in two places for installing a tang sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a straight grip, capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a crescent buttplate. There are two large chips on the right side of the wrist as well as a smaller one on the right with a crack extending through to the rear of the grip. The wood had significantly darkened with age. There is another split on the left side of the buttstock. There are several scattered compressions, scuffs, draglines, and scratches. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has dark patina and surface erosion. The stocks rate in about Fair overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark, the rifling is still defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The surfaces have all turned a dark patina with heavy erosion and pitting. The leading edges show thinning and scattered dings. There is a crack in the bottom of the lever that has been repaired. There are bruises and tooling marks around some of the screw holes. The screw heads are mostly disfigured, a few are nearly sharp and the markings are clear but shallow in spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair-Plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position and the trigger breaks crisply. The lever locks-up solidly. As mentioned before, there is a crack in the lever that has been repaired. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 1888, one of the 4,312 produced with a 24? barrel between 1888 and 1889. It has a top ejection port and some very interesting marks on the stocks. It looks like a prime cowboy piece that probably saw some action. The bore is not the worst we have seen come out of the 1880’s it has a genuine charm from its age and use. This rifle will look great sitting next to its M1881, 1889, 1894 and 1895 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!