This was the first of the Marlin lever action rifles and has always been regarded as a high quality rifle. Marlin manufactured approximately 20,000 of these rifle between 1881 and 1892. This rifle has a blue barrel, magazine tube, silver plated receiver, forend cap, lever and buttplate. The receiver is panel engraved with floral scroll patterns with a punch dot background. The left side of the receiver also has the profile of an Indian head in a circle and the right side has two buffalos in a mountain plain scene. There are engraved flourishes on the muzzle and receiver end of the barrel, loading gate and sides of the forend cap. The buttplate is engraved around each screw and in the center. The barrel is marked " MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW-HAVEN, CT., U.S.A" in two lines with an arrow at either end. The second line has the eight patents including the Nov. 9, 1880 reissue date making it a Third Style rifle. The barrel has a dove-tailed Rocky Mountain front sight with brass blade and a sporting rear sight. The pistol grip stock and forearm are fancy walnut with checkered panels and a varnished finish. Mounted with deluxe checkered forearm and pistol grip stock.

The barrel and magazine tube are refinished. The silver plated surfaces have aged to a pleasant patina with some scattered small dark areas. The stock and forearm are very good with crisp checkering. The markings and engraving remain deep and crisp. The action is good. Purchased from Mark Walz in 1977 as part of the Will Hoffeld Collection. A nice Marlin Model 1881 with special order deluxe wood and engraved silver plating.