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EARLY MARLIN 1881 1ST VARIATION DELUXE LEVER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
EARLY MARLIN 1881 1ST VARIATION DELUXE LEVER

ACTION RIFLE. Cal. 40 (40-60 Marlin). S# 194. Bbl. 28" Octagon. Lyman bead front sight with flat top sporting rear sight. Full length mag. Very early first variation deluxe with rebated receiver. While “Marlin Firearms” by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy States that fewer than 600 Model 1881 rifles were produced with rebated receivers, more recent extensive research done by Mr. Runge and fellow Marlin enthusiast Rick Regnier indicate that fewer than 300 were actually manufactured. Blued finish with case colored hammer & lever. Forearm & straight grip stock of thin shell walnut. Early deluxe rifle with point pattern checkering in a style similar to the Ballard rifles. CONDITION: barrel retains 60% dull lightly faded blue showing edge wear. Mag. tube retains 60% blue fading to brown in areas. Action has traces of blue in protected areas with balance fading to gray. Sides of hammer & lever show traces of case colors. Wood has lightly worn finish showing scratches & marks. Checkering shows substantial carry wear on forearm. Front of comb has 2 intentionally cut notches. Bright bore with strong rifling. PROVENANCE: From the life long collection of Robert Runge. (01-21659/DS). ANTIQUE. $6,000-9,000.