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SERIAL NUMBER 39 MARLIN MODEL 1881 FIRST VARIATION

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
SERIAL NUMBER 39 MARLIN MODEL 1881 FIRST VARIATION

LEVER ACTION RIFLE. Cal. 45 Govt (45-70). S# 39. Bbl. 28" Octagon with rare 1 line address. Less than 40 one line barrel addresses are known. German silver blade Rocky Mountain front sight with elevator adjustable sporting rear sight. Full length mag. Action has scarce 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. Forearm & straight grip stock of nicely grained walnut with Model 1881 steel buttplate. CONDITION: metal has a mild gray appearance indicating touch up. Wood has added finish over dents & handling marks. Stock has small chips around lower tang. Forearm has a hairline crack extending from receiver. Dark heavily pitted bore. PROVENANCE: From the life long collection of Robert Runge. (01-21651/DS). ANTIQUE. $5,000-7,000.