Marlin Model 1891 .22 Rimfire 24″ Lever Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,330.00
LSB#: LSB260430LE003
Make: Marlin Fire-Arms Co.
Model: 1891
Serial Number: 52086
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1891–1892 / Antique
Caliber: .22 Rimfire
Action Type: Lever-action repeating rifle fed by a full-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The top barrel flat is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D NOV. 19, 1878, APRIL 2, 1889. AUG. 12, 1890.” The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The lower receiver tang is marked with the serial number “52086”.
Barrel Length: 24” octagonal.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable v-notch leaf dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a refinished two-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, steel crescent buttplate, and capped forend. The wood shows scattered scratches, compression marks, handling wear, finish thinning, and has had a diamond shaped patch installed on either side of the wrist. There are no visible cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel, magazine tube, lever, receiver, and small parts.
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is a visible squib ring or bulge approximately 7” from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 3/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its applied refinish. The balance shows thinning, scratches, scuffs, handling wear, scattered oxidation, freckling, and areas of brown and gray patina. There is evidence of older surface wear and oxidation beneath the refinish, with some markings appearing softened. The barrel has a visible ring or bulge approximately 7” from the muzzle, consistent with a previous bore obstruction or squib event. The screw heads show light tooling with serviceable slots. The pins are generally clean. The markings remain legible, though some are softened by age, prior wear, and refinishing. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an Antique collector firearm.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. Due to the visible squib ring or bulge in the barrel, this rifle should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith before any attempt is made to fire it. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1891 occupies an important place in American firearms development as one of Marlin’s early small-caliber lever-action repeating rifles. Its compact action, side-ejection design, octagonal barrel, and tubular magazine established features that would continue through several generations of Marlin rimfire rifles. Manufactured circa 1891–1892, this example qualifies as an Antique under federal law.
This rifle retains its traditional configuration with a 24” octagonal barrel, full-length magazine tube, crescent buttplate, and straight-grip walnut stocks. It has been refinished, and the applied finish now shows wear, scratches, oxidation, and evidence of older surface condition beneath it. The action functions correctly, though the worn bore and visible squib ring approximately 7” from the muzzle make this example best suited for collection, display, or professional evaluation rather than immediate firing.
Early Marlin lever-action rimfires remain desirable among collectors for their historical significance and their relationship to the later Model 1892, Model 1897, and Model 39 series. This is a substantially intact Antique Marlin with an appealing period configuration and honest evidence of long use. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.