Lot 49: Marlin Model 1888 Lever Action Rifle

Approximately 4,814 Marlin Model 1888 lever action rifles were manufactured from 1888-1892. The lowest serial number known in this model is 19559 making this rifle "19560" the second lowest known serialized M1888 Marlin rifle manufactured (see "Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company that Made Them" by Lt. Col. Brophy page 167). This example has a blade front sight with bead insert, a sporting type adjustable rear sight, and full length tubular magazine. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two line New Haven address/patent date (October 1887). Blue with casehardened hammer, lever, end cap and buttplate. Smooth forearm and straight grip stock with steel forend cap and crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 24 inch octagon barrel in .44 caliber. The factory letter also states the rifle was shipped on August 4, 1888. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Excellent. 90% original blue finish remains on the barrel showing limited high point thinning and a few scattered surface scratches. All markings are crisp and clear. The receiver retains 60% original blue finish having thinned in exposed areas concentrated on the right side with some spotting and surface scratches scattered. The loading gate still retains the majority of its original high polish blue finish. The casehardened components have evenly silvered out; however, all still show strong traces of deep original color. The wood is very fine with pressure marks and light scratches concentrated on the forearm. Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable and significant Marlin Model 1888 lever action rifle, the second lowest known for this model.