This is an excellent example of a Marlin Model 1881 lever action rifle in 45-70 as manufactured from 1881 to 1892. The octagon barrel is fitted with a German blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the third style two line address/patent date marking which ends with "REISSUE NOV.9, 1880" ahead of the rear sight and "45 Govt" at the breech. The 45-70 magazine holds eight rounds. The rifle has a blue finish with casehardened buttplate, hammer, lever and forend cap. Mounted on a nicely figured and varnished smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with crescent buttplate. The Model 1881 was the first of the Marlin Lever Action Magazine rifles and has always been regarded as a high quality rifle. The Marlin Model 1881 was capable of handling large calibers such as the 45-70 which made it years ahead of the Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action rifle.

Excellent. The rifle retains 90% to 95% plus original bright blue finish showing some thinning to a satin gray. The hammer, lever, forend cap and buttplate retain 80% plus original vivid case colors. The wood is also excellent with most of the varnish remaining and showing some scattered minor blemishes. Mechanically excellent. Truly an outstanding example of a Marlin Model 1881 in the desirable 45-70 caliber.