The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .38 caliber when shipped on August 16, 1894. Although not listed in the factory letter, we believe that the engraving and finishes are factory. As Brophy explains, "Unfortunately, the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not." Of the 55,072 Model 1889s manufactured, only 3,729 had 26 inch barrels. Adding to this rifle's scarcity is the special factory finishing and engraving of which only a few are know to exist. The receiver engraving consists of profuse foliate arabesque patterns on a punch dot background and borders. The left side of the receiver has a finely detailed oval vignette of a running stag. The top of the receiver is engraved in feather and foliate patterns and marked "MARLIN SAFETY." Scrollwork extends to the lever and buttplate tang. Combination front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight on a barrel marked with the two-line address/patent dates information and "38-W." The receiver is gold washed over slating. The barrel and magazine have a blue finish. The remaining metal surfaces are nickel plated. Mounted on nicely figured and B style checkered forearm and pistol grip stock fitted with a crescent buttplate. Matching serial numbers appear on the underside of the receiver, left side of the upper tang and buttplate.

Fine. The barrel and magazine retain 70% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina mixed with light spotting. The receiver retains 30% original gold wash with exposed silver plating on the balance. The loading gate retains 60% original nitre blue. The lever and forend cap retain generous amounts of original silver plating, and 30% original silver plating remains on the buttplate. The wood is also fine showing minor handling evidence and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. An already rare Model 1889 in scarcer factory finishing and engraving that is missing from even the most advanced Marlin collections! These factory engraved and special finished Marlin Model 1889s rarely come up for sale.