^Lot 94 Antique Marlin Model 1881 3rd Style Sporting Rifle

Antique Marlin Model 1881 3rd Style Lever Action Sporting Rifle, #3592, .40-60 CF cal., blued 28'' octagonal barrel having dovetailed German silver blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sights marked ''Marlin Fire-Arms Co. New-Haven CT. U.S.A.'' flanked by fletched arrows over nine patent dates, and ''40 Cal.'' at breech; full-length blued tubular magazine dovetailed beneath; blued steel receiver with sliding right-side loading port and sliding top ejection port/dustcover; case hardened loop operating lever and steel crescent buttplate; very rare double set triggers; varnished walnut buttstock and forend with steel nose cap. Mfg'd ca. 1881-92. Condition is near fine. Barrel, mag tube and receiver retain approx. 50% original blue blending into smooth brown, mag tube with a 2'' patch of pitting at bottom of muzzle and what appears to be a partial 1/4'' saw-cut on bottom 5'' behind muzzle; case hardened parts having darkened/silvered out, especially the nose cap, metal is otherwise smooth with sharp edges and clear markings. Stocks are sound showing the expected marks of age and use, buttstock with a couple 1.5'' secure age cracks on right side, and retain most of their original varnish finish and rich coloration. Action is smooth and sure; bore is shiny with deep rifling. The Model 1881 was the first lever-action Marlin, primarily designed by Andrew Burgess, and in many ways superior to its competition. This one's low number and double set triggers make it especially desirable. Est.: $900-$1,400. (Antique)