This is a nice untouched example of an early Deluxe grade 1881 Marlin with a pistol grip stock, checkered, 28" octagon barrel, full magazine, and crescent buttplate.  This one has the small frame and is in caliber 38-55.  The wood is very attractive and appears to be a light blondish-orange hued European variety of walnut.  Serial number is in the 18,000 range.  Original sights include the long-style Marlin-Ballard rear sight and standard Rocky Mountain Front front sight with the German silver knife-blade. 

Overall Condition is NRA Antique Fine+ with 50% thinning original receiver blue that is a little splotchy from blue loss due to old fingerprints that were never wiped down.  Bolt has 90% blue that is starting to plum while the octagon barrel has 85% original blue that is mixed with some light patina.  Magazine tube is a mixtured of plummed or darkened blue and brown patina.  The hammer, lever, buttplate, and forend cap still show fading silvery to faded mottled case colors throughout.  Very good screws throughout and excellent markings.  The wood is in Fine condition still retaining 90% original varnish with some light handling marks and scratches that have developed a wonderful patina. Checkering is still nice and sharp overall and has never been re-cut.  No chips, cracks, or reparis.   The action is crisp and very smooth with a Fine Bore. Just a good solid 120 year old Marlin deluxe rifle that has never been messed with and is 100% original. 

Item# 0524

SOLD