Approximately 1,776 Marlin Model 1888 lever action rifles chambered in 38-40 were produced from 1888 to 1889. This example has a blade front sight (bead missing), a sporting type rear sight and a full length magazine. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two line New Haven address/patent date (October 1887) and ".38-W." at the breech. Blue with casehardened hammer and lever. Smooth forearm and straight grip stock with steel forend cap and crescent buttplate.

Very fine metal, refinished wood. The rifle retains 70% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina (the magazine tube and buttplate are mostly a smooth gray patina). The hammer and lever retain traces of the case colors. The heavily revarnished wood is about good with finished over minor dings and scratches, along with a couple missing chips. Mechanically excellent.