Marlin Model 1891 .22 S/L/LR 24″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1891 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,875.00
LSB#: LSB260326SH001
Make: Marlin
Model: 1891
Serial Number: 52130
Year of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: 22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Lever action, rimfire rifle, fed by tube magazine, side gate
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Marlin Fire-Arms Co, New Haven CT USA, Pat’D Nov 19, 1878, April 2, 1889, Aug 12, 1890”. The top of the receiver is marked “Marlin Safety”. The upper tang is unmarked. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24″ Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a fixed V notch dovetailed into the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is faint. There is extensive pitting. There are squib rings and loose spots in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 2/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its original finish. There are scratches, dings, and corrosion stains throughout. The majority of the finish is brown patina. The receiver has been scrubbed. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are soft but legible. Overall this rifle is in Poor condition
Mechanics: The action functions correctly but due to bore condition we do not recommend firing this rifle. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Cody Firearms Museum Records Letter.
Our Assessment: This Marlin Model 1891 in .22 S, L, and LR is a historically interesting antique lever-action rimfire rifle manufactured in 1891. Its 24″ octagon barrel, tube magazine, side-loading gate, straight-grip walnut stock, crescent buttplate, and “Marlin Safety” receiver marking place it firmly in Marlin’s late-19th-century lever-action tradition. The presence of both receiver and tang peep sight provisions adds period-style sighting versatility, and the included Cody Firearms Museum Records Letter is a meaningful accessory that supports its historical and collector interest.
Condition is poor overall, with the rifle showing substantial age, wear, and corrosion. It retains approximately 10% of its original blue finish, with most metal surfaces turned to brown patina and showing scratches, dings, corrosion staining, and general oxidation throughout. The receiver has been scrubbed, the markings are soft but still legible, and the screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The walnut stock set is in Fair condition, showing scratches and compression dents throughout, though it remains free of chips and cracks. The bore is the most significant issue, described as dark with faint rifling, extensive pitting, squib rings, and loose spots, rating only 2/10 in the writer’s opinion.
Overall, this Marlin Model 1891 should be viewed primarily as an antique collector’s piece, display rifle, or historical study example rather than a shooter. The action is reported to function correctly, but the bore condition is poor enough that firing is not recommended. Its appeal lies in its 1891 manufacture date, antique status, early Marlin design, octagon barrel, legible factory markings, and accompanying Cody letter, while its heavy finish loss, scrubbed receiver, worn wood, and severely compromised bore limit its practical and collector-grade value. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF