^Lot 814 Marlin Model 1893 Lever Action Short Rifle

Marlin Model 1893 Lever Action Saddle Ring Repeating Short Rifle, or Carbine, #432734, .32-40 CF cal., blued 20'' octagonal barrel with dovetailed long German silver blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sight, blued full-length under-barrel magazine tube, nosecap and carbine buttplate; varnished walnut forend and buttstock. Mfg'd 1893-1935. Condition is very good, the barrel retaining approx. 85% thinning original blue, perhaps 15% on magazine and receiver (mostly on top and right side); the operating lever, hammer and trigger having darkened case colors, the buttplate with 50% blue. Stocks are smooth and sound with light handling marks, and fit well. Action is strong; bore is bright with sharp rifling. This gun presents collectors with somewhat of an enigma: is it a saddle ring short rifle (Marlin offered Model 1893 rifles with 20'' octagonal barrels), a carbine with an octagon barrel, or a rifle cut down to carbine length? It shows no sign of alteration, all parts fit well and condition matches. Est.: $350-$500. (C&R)