Marlin Model 1895 .45-90 Winchester 26″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1896 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,500

LSB#: 230918BT002

Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: 1895

Serial Number: 135586

Year of Manufacture: 1896 Antique

Caliber: .45-90

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ 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 top of the barrel at the rear is marked “40-90”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL / 1895.”. The bottom of the receiver and left side of the upper tang are marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: Nominal 26”, Octagonal; 26 3/8” measured.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The leaf is finely adjustable for elevation. The upper tang has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. Notable imperfections include a gash on the belly. There are several dispersed scratches, compressions, scuffs, and small impacts throughout. Areas of the wood have darkened with age and handling. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows dings and mars and scattered erosion with light pitting. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is slightly rounded yet well defined. There is scattered erosion in the bore. There is a bulge about 3” down from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10 as Antique.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered erosion with pitting throughout with a light patina appearance on the tube and nose cap and a mottled patina on the receiver. The case coloring is completely gone and the blue on the barrel shows a transition to patina. There are little dings and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads range from tool-marked with strong slots to disfigured. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good-Very Good 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. This rifle is a representation of early, quality Marlin manufacturing. In its current condition, it would make a terrific candidate to practice your restoration skills. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Greenfield