^Lot 56 Antique 1st Year Production Marlin Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

Antique 1st Year Production Marlin Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle, #112194, .38 W.C.F. cal., 24'' octagon barrel, blue and color case hardened finish, checkered walnut forend and straight grip stock with case colored crescent buttplate, dovetailed German silver ''knife blade'' front sight, and buckhorn rear sight with elevator. Marked ''MARLIN SAFETY'' on top of the receiver. Mfg'd 1894, the first year of production. Rifle is in fine overall condition, retaining approx. 95%-96% toning blue, with light wear at the muzzle, high point edgewear along the barrel, wear to the front nose cap, and scattered light handling marks. Barrel shows sharp edges, clear markings, and intermittent freckling. Receiver, hammer, and lever display approx. 40%-45% case colors; balance are muted and smoky gray in color. There is very mild surface erosion on the left side of the takedown collar, mild frosting on the receiver, and dried oil on the tang and barrel along the forend. Wood is in near excellent condition, with light marks, particularly on the right side and bottom edge of the buttstock. Including an indentation at the toe. Action functions smoothly. Bore is near excellent with well-defined rifling. Est.: $2,000-$2,500. (Antique)