This was the first of the Marlin lever action magazine rifles and has always been regarded as a high quality rifle. It is capable of handling the large calibers and was well received by the shooting public. This rifle was manufactured either late in the first year of production, 1881, or early in 1882. There were approximately 20,000 Model 1881s manufactured between 1881 and 1892. This rifle has the following deluxe special order features: checkered forearm and straight grip stock, casehardened engraved receiver, and rare double set triggers. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Marlin address/patent and reissue dates, "45 Govt" marked behind the rear sight and the serial number is on the underside of the receiver. The receiver is floral scroll engraved with punch dot background with game scenes in the center, the left side of a running deer, the right a buffalo and a deer head on the top of the receiver. Other features include a Marbles #3 front blade sight with a bead and an adjustable elevator rear semi buckhorn sight. The forearm has a casehardened steel forend cap and there is a steel buttplate on the stock. A prior owner indicated this rifle was on display at Harrold's Club in Reno, Nevada for 35 or 40 years. Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection

Very good. The barrel and magazine tube retain 80% slightly faded original blue with the balance a mix of a smooth blue/brown finish. The magazine tube has a smooth mottled brown patina. The receiver retains 70% of the original vivid case colors with the balance silvered out to smooth mottled patina. The hammer and lever show much of the original casehardened pattern and have a smooth mottled gray patina. The buttplate has a dark patina with some light spotting. The wood is very fine with scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The checkering shows some minor bruises; otherwise, the checkering is crisp. Mechanically fine.