Page 19 - Auction84-Book3

Marlin Model 1881
The rifle was on loan from the Marlin Firearms Co. as part of the
Marlin exhibit in The Cody Firearms Museum, Buffalo Bill Historical Center,
Cody, Wyoming, circa 1993-2007. Prior to its initial public sale in 2007, the rifle was part of the Marlin Firearms Corporation. The rifle is fitted with a German silver
blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is hand engraved in script “J.M. Marlin New Haven Ct. U.S.A. Pat’d Jan. 7. ‘73, Sept. 14. ‘75 Nov. 19. & 26. ‘78, June 3. ‘79, Dec. 9. ‘79”. The script hand engraved markings are similar
to the roll stamped markings found on first production Model 1881s except for the additional February 7, 1865 and November 9, 1880 and reissue November 9, 1880 patent dates. “45 Govt” is marked on the top barrel flat at the breech. The
serial number “1” appears on the left sides of the top and bottom tangs,
inside the buttplate, twice inside the forend cap, bottom of the barrel
and front end of the stock. No other disassembly was attempted. This is
the only known serial number 1 of any Marlin Model 1891 lever action
as all remaining models were numbered sequentially thereafter. This is
therefore a very special opportunity to acquire the only serial number 1
Marlin lever action. The forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured
walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a smooth nickel plated semi-crescent
buttplate with short rounded tang.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel and magazine retain 90% plus original
blue finish. The receiver and bolt retain 95% bright original high polish
blue finish with a few scratches. The forend cap has turned to a smooth
blue/brown. 90% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever.
98% original nickel remains on the buttplate. The wood is also excellent
with some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Truly an
outstanding, historic Marlin Model 1881 rifle that started it all, serial
number 1, worthy of the finest public or private Marlin or lever
action collections.
Provenance: The Marlin Firearms Corporation; The Milan J. Turk
Collection.
Estimate: 85,000 - 130,000
SERIAL NUMBER 1
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK MARLIN FIREARMS BY BROPHY
17