Marlin Model 1895 .45-90 Winchester 26″ Lever Action Rifle, 1897 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,776.00

WOA#: WY240530TP002

Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: 1895

Serial Number: 152506

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1897

Caliber: .45-90

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full-length Mag Tube

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.”, the left shoulder is marked “SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL”. The top of the barrel at the rear is marked “45-90”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL / 1895.”. The serial number is marked on the front of the trigger-plate/bottom tang assembly, the left of the top tang, the top tang inlet of the stock, and the inside of the buttplate.  

Barrel Length: 26”, 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 V-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a steel crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are some areas of finish wear and dark discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a mottled patina. The stocks rate in Very Good-Fine overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore with some spots of pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Strongest finish is in the barrel with good blue along the top of the magazine tube. The bottom and sides of the magazine tube have gone to a fairly uniform patina. The receiver has some scattered color and figuring with most surfaces muted or gone to a mottled patina. There is some scattered light surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool-marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None.

Our Assessment: This is the original Model 1895 that was in production from 1895 until 1915. The Model 1895 was the mechanical twin of the Model 1893 only made with larger dimensions to accommodate the larger rounds. This example has a 26” octagon barrel chambered for the powerful .45-90 cartridge. This rifle is a representation of early, quality Marlin manufacturing. With a more than decent bore, much of its original metal finish, and strong mechanics, it will make a great addition to a Marlin or Antique lever-action rifle collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud

Marlin Model 1895 .45-90 Winchester 26" Lever Action Rifle, 1897 Antique
Marlin Model 1895 .45-90 Winchester 26″ Lever Action Rifle, 1897 Antique