Marlin Model 1892 .22LR 24″ Octagon Lever Action Rimfire Rifle MFD 1899 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,792.66
LSB#: LSB251006RB003
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1892
Serial Number: 183723
Year of Manufacture: 1899 C&R
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW-HAVEN CT., U.S.A. / PAT’D JAN. 18, 1887, APRIL 2, 1889, AUG. 12, 1890, MAR. 1, 1892”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The top tang is marked “MODEL / 1892”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “183723”.
Barrel Length: 24″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marbles 34W beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch sight, on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic buttplate, and a capped forend. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is intact, and the wood grain is attractive. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good to Fine condition for a rifle of this vintage. The stocks appear all original, both to the firearm, and in finish.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with the receiver taking on a patina, and presenting with visible light scratches and thinning on the leading edges. The bluing on the barrel nad magazine tube is deep and dark. The case color on the lever and hammer are lightly faded, but the colors are still visible. The top tang may have had a peep sight mounted to it at some point, as the back half of the top tang has turned to a patina, while the front half of the top tang still has most of its bluing intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from lightly tooled to sharp, and all retain strong and serviceable slots. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition for a rifle of this vintage.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 1892 represents one of the company’s earliest and most charming small-caliber lever-action rifles, bridging the gap between the earlier Model 1887/1891 designs and the later, better-known Model 39 family. Produced only from 1895 to 1916, with far fewer built than the later .22 lever guns, the 1892 is a highly collectible rifle today, especially in fully functional condition with strong original finish. This 1899-produced example embodies the elegant craftsmanship of Marlin’s turn-of-the-century era: an octagonal barrel with crisp rollmarks, tight walnut stocks that appear original in both wood and finish, and an action that remains smooth and mechanically correct.
What sets this rifle apart even further is the exceptional condition of its bore. A bright, sharp, erosion-free bore in a 124-year-old rimfire lever gun is extraordinarily scarce, making this example unusually desirable as both a collector piece and a potential shooter with appropriate .22LR loads (standard velocity only). The barrel and magazine tube retain deep, even bluing, while the receiver has taken on an attractive, honest patina with traces of original finish remaining. Lightly faded case colors on the hammer and lever add to the rifle’s period character. The top tang shows evidence that a tang-mounted peep sight may once have been installed, a common period upgrade among accuracy-minded shooters.
With its combination of high-condition bore, strong original finish, correct vintage features, and clear markings, this Model 1892 stands as an outstanding representative of early Marlin rimfire design. Rifles from this era rarely survive in such solid mechanical and cosmetic condition, making this a particularly appealing find for collectors of antique American lever-action rifles. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
