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MARLIN 1881 FIRST VARIATION LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
MARLIN 1881 FIRST VARIATION LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Cal. 45 Govt (45-70). S# 138. Bbl. 28" octagon. Bead front sight with uncommon graduated leaf rear sight having front mounted V notch aperture. Full length mag. Scarce blue finished rebated receiver having case colored hammer & lever. 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. Forearm & straight grip stock of nicely grained walnut with Model 1881 steel buttplate. CONDITION: Barrel & action retain 70% lightly faded blue showing carry & edge wear. Sides of hammer retain some case colors. Original wood finish shows light wear with scattered scratches & marks. Bright bore retains sharp rifling. PROVENANCE: From the life long collection of Robert Runge. (01-21656/DS). ANTIQUE. $5,000-7,000.