Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1889 .44-40 WCF 24″ Lever Rifle, 1891 Antique
SOLD FOR: $4,150.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW099
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1889 Rifle
Serial Number: 50274
Year of Manufacture: 1891 / 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″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn U notch with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is some crazing of the finish on the buttstock. There is some light chipping of the finish. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition for antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, color case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some light pitting scattered in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There are scratches and light corrosion freckles throughout. There is handling and operational wear. The color case still shows good color throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition for antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever safety functions properly. The hammer has a half cock safety position that holds. 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: This Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1889 Rifle is a desirable antique lever-action rifle manufactured in 1891 and chambered in .44 Winchester, also known as .44-40 W.C.F. The 24″ barrel, full-length magazine tube, capped forend, straight-grip walnut stock, crescent steel buttplate, and traditional barrel-mounted sights give it a classic late-19th-century sporting rifle profile. The “Marlin Safety” receiver marking, clear barrel address, and .44 W. caliber marking add strong period identity, while the upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight, offering period-style sighting potential.
Condition is Good to Very Good for an antique, with the rifle retaining about 90% of its original finish, an impressive amount for a firearm of this age. The metal shows scratches, light corrosion freckling, handling wear, and operational wear, but the markings remain clear and the lightly tooled screw heads are still serviceable. The color case finish retains good color throughout, which adds considerably to the rifle’s visual appeal. The smooth walnut stocks show scratches, compression dents, some finish crazing on the buttstock, and light finish chipping, but there are no cracks, leaving the wood solid and attractive for its age.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, with only scattered light pitting, rating 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the lever safety operates properly, and the hammer holds at half-cock, though the rifle has not been test fired. Overall, this is a notably well-preserved antique Marlin Model 1889 in the desirable .44-40 chambering, offering strong remaining original finish, good case color, solid mechanics, and appealing period character. Its minor bore pitting, scattered freckling, and normal antique handling wear are outweighed by its originality, condition, and classic configuration. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF