Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1889 .44 Winchester 26″ Lever Action Rifle, 1890
SOLD FOR: $4,280.00
LSB#: LSB251203TW001
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1889
Serial Number: 36991
Year of Manufacture: 1890 / 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: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. There is a tang peep sight installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a capped forend, semi pistol grip, straight comb, and steel rifle style buttplate. The LOP measures approximately 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. The stocks have been refinished quite a while ago. There are compression dents, scratches, and other handling wear throughout. The checkering has worn flat in spots. There is minor oil darkening at the wrist. There are no cracks. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as a refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, color case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is a few minor pits scattered in the bore. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 50% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks and light corrosion freckling throughout. There is thinning bluing on the leading edges and barrel points. The color case has some color remaining but is muted. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition as 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: soft case
Our Assessment: Manufactured in 1890, this Marlin Model 1889 represents one of the company’s earliest solid top, side eject lever action designs and a direct competitor to the Winchester 1873 in the black powder era. The Model 1889 introduced Marlin’s now familiar “Marlin Safety” system, so marked on the top of the receiver, and eliminated the need for a top mounted ejector by routing spent cases to the side. This example, serial number 36991, is chambered in .44 Winchester, better known as .44-40, one of the most popular frontier cartridges of the late nineteenth century. The 26 inch barrel is correctly roll marked with the New Haven address and patent dates, and the rifle retains its classic long barrel profile paired with a full length magazine tube.
This rifle retains approximately 50 percent of its original metal finish, showing scratches, nicks, light corrosion freckling, and thinning along leading edges and high contact areas. The remaining color case on the receiver is present but muted. Screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured, though their slots remain serviceable. The two piece checkered walnut stock set with capped forend, semi pistol grip, straight comb, and steel rifle style buttplate has been refinished some time ago. The wood shows compression dents, scratches, flattened checkering in spots, and minor oil darkening at the wrist, but no cracks are noted. The length of pull measures approximately 13 inches. As refinished, the stocks rate Very Good for an Antique.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and a few minor scattered pits, rating 7.5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion with no visible erosion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the lever safety operates properly, and the hammer holds securely at half cock. In .44-40, a cartridge introduced in 1873 and widely used in both rifles and revolvers, the Model 1889 was well suited to ranch and sporting use during the closing years of the American frontier. This 1890 dated Marlin remains a representative Antique era example of the company’s early lever action innovation. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF