This was the first of the Marlin lever action magazine rifles and has always been regarded as a high quality rifle. This rifle was manufactured circa 1885 and features a blade front and adjustable rear sporting sights. The top of the barrel is marked MARLIN FIRE- ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A." over the patent and reissue dates, (with flanking inward pointing arrows on the top line), the breech end of the barrel is marked "38-55" and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame. The hammer and lever were casehardened and the remaining parts blue. Full magazine, double set triggers and mounted with a smooth forearm with steel end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Very good plus. The metal surfaces have a mottled brown and gray patina with some minor pitting on the rear sight and receiver, and some minor spotting on the barrel. The hammer and lever have a dark gray patina with pin prick type pitting on the lever. The wood is very good with a number of minor dents, dings and scratches associated with a gun of this age. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.