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Antique Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle in Highly Desirable .45-70 Govt
Guns International #: 103646064 Seller's Inventory #: 409558
Category: Marlin Rifles - Marlin Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: MALLARDS SHOOTING SUPPLY AND APPAREL
Company: MALLARDS SHOOTING SUPPLY AND APPAREL
Member Since: 5/10/23
First Name: MALLARDS
Last Name: SALES CONSULTANT
State: Florida
Zip: 34428
Country: United States
Phone: (352) 794-3507
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 118
Total Number of Listings: 2032
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Please Note: All sales are final. We offer a 3-day inspection period beginning upon delivery to your selected FFL. If you're not satisfied for any reason during this time, you may return the firearm, no questions asked, with a 25% restocking fee. We never charge credit card fees or add hidden costs of any kind. Looking for the best deal? Contact us directly, we’re committed to offering the most competitive pricing and will match any advertised price on the same firearm.
Payment Types Accepted: VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS, CASH. CHECK. CASHIERS CHECK. MONEY ORDER,
About Us: Mallards Shooting Supply and Apparel is Central Florida’s newest premier gun store. Don’t let the name fool you. Mallards Shooting Supply and Apparel isn’t just for duck hunters. Whether you hunt birds or big game, maybe you’re not a hunter at all and just like to shoot either way Mallards Shooting Supply has you covered. Mallards Shooting Supply has a large selection for all disciplines. From trap and skeet, Sporting Clays, personal and home defense, tactical, long range shooting, plinking, first time gun owners, etc. Mallards Shooting Supply has something for you! We are all highly trained and will offer the best customer service in the world at Mallards. Come in and see us! We welcome you! We look forward to visiting with you.
Description:
A true rarity for collectors, this exceptional Marlin Model 1881 lever-action rifle, manufactured in 1886, represents John Mahlon Marlin’s innovative first foray into the lever-action market, a bold move in an era dominated by Winchester. This early Marlin, known simply as the “Marlin Repeating Rifle” before receiving its official model designation in 1888, stands as a testament to 19th-century American ingenuity and arms development. Created from patents by Marlin and visionary collaborators including Andrew Burgess, H.F. Wheeler, and E.A.F. Toepperwein, the Model 1881 distinguished itself as one of the only repeating rifles of the era capable of chambering the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, as seen in this impressive example. Its superior strength and reliability made it a prized choice in the American West, years before Winchester could offer a comparable model. Most 1881 Marlins, often treated as working tools on the frontier, rarely survived the rigors of hard use, making high-condition standard configuration examples like this exceedingly scarce and highly coveted among collectors. Classic period markings include the two-line barrel address and patent dates ending with 1880, with the “45 Govt” caliber noted at the breech. The rifle features matching full serial numbers on the receiver, tangs, and inside the buttplate, underscoring its original integrity. Authentic Rocky Mountain sights, a German silver blade front and adjustable notch rear, are complemented by a Lyman combination rear sight mounted on the upper tang. Completing the historic appeal are the smooth forearm, straight grip stock, and sleek steel buttplate. Combining rarity, early manufacture, original condition, and a legendary caliber, this Marlin Model 1881 is a significant investment opportunity and an essential highlight for any serious collector of American firearms heritage.
Condition
Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus of the bright original, high polish blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown patina, primarily on high spots. 40% of the original case colors remain on the hammer and lever with the balance a smooth grey patina and some scattered light oxidation on the buttplate. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor handling marks throughout, typical of a well-cared for working gun. Mechanically excellent. A exceptional example of the first model in a long lineage of legendary Marlin lever actions!
Price: $8,999.99
Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government
Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co
Model: 1881
Serial Number: 12452
Barrel Length: 28 inch octagon
Condition: The bore is bright with some very light streaking and crisp rifling.