Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1893 .32-40 Winchester Lever Rifle, 1895 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,713.99
LSB#: WY240902TW023
Make: Marlin
Model: 1893
Serial Number: 123079
Year of Manufacture: 1895, Antique
Caliber: .32-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
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. AUGUST 1. 1893.” and “32-40” at the receiver. The left shoulder is marked “SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”, the top tang is marked “MARLIN. / 1893”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “123079” at the front.
Barrel Length: 26? Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch has a white diamond aiming reference, can be reversed to present a “V”-notch, and is fine-adjustable for elevation. The sights are not original to the gun. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has generally strong finish with some erosion at the heel and some light nicks and scratches, some under the finish. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Most finish is Original to the parts. The barrel is not original to the gun. There is cold-blue touch-up around the trigger-guard plate screw at the bottom-front of the receiver.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The barrel and magazine tube have generally strong finish with light edge-thinning and scattered minor nicks and scratches. The receiver’s case color has mostly muted with some areas going to a light patina. There is cold blue touch-up around the bottom front, likely due to notable tool marks at the trigger-plate screw. The receiver has some scattered minor surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition as Antique and not parts-original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. 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: This rifle comes with a Marlin factory records letter indicating that it was produced as a rifle chambered for .38-55 with an octagonal 26″ barrel, shipped June 24, 1895.
Our Assessment: This is the first rifle Marlin designed for, then new, smokeless powder cartridges. Marlin christened the improved lever-action Model 1893, and offered it as a rifle or a saddle-ring carbine, both featuring case hardened receivers and sporting blued Ballard match-grade barrels. It was produced from 1893 to 1936. This example was manufactured in 1895, putting it rather early in production. The barrel has been replaced, now chambered for the .32-40 cartridge, but it is quite the looker given its age. Better still, it has a strong bore and good mechanics, so it should still prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
