This Model 1889 was manufactured circa 1893 and has a beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable sporting rear sight on an octagon barrel marked with two line patent and address information ahead of the rear sight and "38-W." at the breech on the top flat. The top of the receiver has the Marlin Safety marking, and the serial number is marked on the bottom. The upper tang is unmarked and is tapped for peep sight mounting. The Model 1889 was the first solid top, side ejection Marlin lever action and paved the way for later Marlin lever action rifles such as the iconic Marlin Model 1894. The .38-40 was the second most popular caliber for the Model 1889 with 18,635 produced in this caliber between 1889 and 1899.

Fine. The rifle retains 70% of the original blue finish and has a brown patina on the balance. There are some small patches of light spotting and pitting. The wood is also fine with various minor dings and scratches and "SPAN" period marked on the right side of the butt. The markings are clear throughout, and the action is excellent.