The Model 1881 was Marlin's first lever action rifle and was also one of the first lever actions designed for large calibers. By getting ahead of Winchester in the large caliber market, Marlin found considerable success with this model and produced an estimated 20,000+ rifles between 1881 and 1892. This rifle was manufactured circa 1885 and has the standard smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The barrel is marked with the Third Style address and patent markings ahead of the rear sight and "40 CAL" at the breech and has a Rocky Mountain style German silver blade front sight and adjustable sporting rear sight. The serial number is on the bottom of the frame at the front. The upper tang and is tapped for peep sight mounting.

Very fine. The rifle retains 70% plus of the bright original blue finish with a brown patina formed in the scratches and forming in the thinning areas. About half of the case colors remain. There is some spotting throughout and rough oxidation on the buttplate. The wood is fine with mild handling wear, a few scrapes and scattered small pressure marks. The action function fine and the markings are clear. One of the upper tang screws is for an absent peep sight.