Marlin Firearms Model 1893 26″ .38-55 Winchester Lever Rifle, 1894 Antique

SOLD FOR: $

WOA#: WY240526BJ120

Make: Marlin

Model: 1893

Serial Number: 103481

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1894

Caliber: .38-55 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Half-Length Tubular Magazine. The mag tube is not original to the gun.

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 “38-55” at the receiver. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “103481”.

Barrel Length: 26? Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade slotted to a base that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a buckhorn V-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The leaf is fine-adjustable for elevation. The upper tang has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes for mounting a tang sight (not included).

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 scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are some spots of discoloration and residue. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has gone to a mottled patina with scattered surface erosion. The stocks rate in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore with a few spots of more notable erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is a little finish along the bottom of the barrel and top of the magazine tube. There is a little muted color on areas of the lever and receiver that are concealed when the action is closed, otherwise the case color has muted or gone to a light patina. There is scattered light surface oxidation and erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with more notable tool marks at the rear of the barrel. There are notable tool-slip marks on the right receiver flat. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with questionably usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

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: None.

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 ca. 1894, putting it rather early in production. This example has strong mechanics and a better bore than we are used to seeing on these guns. It would make a good addition to a Marlin collection or a rewarding restoration project. Please see our photos and good luck!