Marlin Model 1881 2nd Variation Set-Trigger 28″ .40-60 Lever Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
WOA#: WY240530TP003
Make: Marlin
Model: 1881
Serial Number: 5105
Year of Manufacture: 1884-1884; Heavy Receiver, Second Variation
Caliber: .40-60
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle, Double Set-Triggers
Markings: The barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D FEB 7 65JAN 7 73 SEPT 14 75 NOV 19 & 26 ‘78 JUNE 3 79 DEC 3 79 NOV 3 80 RE-ISSUE NOV 9 1880” and “40CAL”. The serial number is found on the underside of the frame, the left of each tang, the front face of the wrist, the inside of the bolt’s dust-cover and the inside of the buttplate.
Barrel Length: 28″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a smooth steel buttplate. The stocks have fairly evenly scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures about 13 3/8″ and 12 1/2″ from the fronts of the triggers to back of the buttplate. The buttplate has worn to white with scattered minor surface erosion. The stocks rate in Very Good-Fine overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Strongest finish is in the barrel flats and top of the magazine tube with some scattered remaining finish in the receiver, most in protected areas or around raised features. Other areas have gone to a fairly uniform light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are mostly clear, the patent dates on the barrel are a bit difficult to make out. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rear trigger is used to set the front trigger. We did not fire 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: As stated by the National Firearms Museum, “In 1881, the Marlin Firearms Company was incorporated, and production of Ballard rifles continued under the Marlin banner until they were eventually discontinued circa 1891 due to the rising popularity of repeating rifles. Marlin-Ballard rifles were and are well-known for their accuracy and workmanship, and fancy-grade long-range rifles are eagerly sought after by modern collectors. Marlin continued to expand his product line, introducing his Model 1881 lever-action tubular magazine repeating rifle in that year. Many key features had been patented by Andrew Burgess and others, but John Marlin incorporated these into a single functional firearm. This rifle was available in a variety of calibers ranging from .32-40 to 45-70 Government, a feature that would not be duplicated by competing Winchesters for several more years.”
This example is in great shape for its age, retaining 40% original finish, a pretty strong bore, and great mechanics. This would be a terrific addition to a Marlin collection, especially one lacking their earliest repeating rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
