Lot 16: Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle

Produced circa 1886. Rocky Mountain silver blade front sight and semi-buckhorn sporting rear sight, with the top barrel flat marked "MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW - HAVEN, CT U.S.A." over the patent and reissue dates, with arrows pointing inward flanking the top line and "38-55" at the breech. The upper tang is fitted with an Italian reproduction (marked "MADE IN ITALY") long range peep sight. Smooth straight grip stock with a steel forearm cap and a smooth buttplate.

Very good with 40% of the original blue finish, bright on the receiver, showing a mixed smooth gray and brown patina overall. Mild pitting is present on the barrel and magazine, brown streaks on the receiver, and bright wear along the edges. The lever and hammer show strong original case colors in protected areas, and a smooth dark patina on the remainder. Undersized buttstock has been sanded and refinished, with a slightly oversized replacement forearm and minor handling marks overall. Lever is slightly loose (flops down when hammer is cocked), otherwise mechanically very good.