Guns International #: 101798974

Category - Marlin Rifles - Antique - Antique Rifles - Cartridge

Category
Marlin Rifles - Antique
Antique Rifles - Cartridge

MARLIN 1893 OCTAGON RIFLE IN VERY SCARCE .32-40 CALIBER, #D4XX, MADE c.1905-1908.

Description:
1893 OCTAGON RIFLE IN VERY SCARCE .32-40 CALIBER, #D4XX, MADE c.1905-1908. The Model 1893 was changed to "Model '93" in 1905, yet serial numbers went up over 400,000 by 1906 before letter prefixes began (some early '93s don't have a letter prefix). So, obviously there was overlapping with serial numbers and model designations- this one has the early "Model 1893" tang marking. A number of rifles during this time period that were chambered in .32-40 and .38-55 were made as "B" rifles with blued receivers and "FOR BLACK POWDER" MARKED ON THE BARRELS- these rifles simply had softer steel in the barrels that would wear faster if shot with smokeless powder and jacketed bullets. This example has the case colored receiver and "SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL" MARKED BARREL. When I got this rifle the bore looked very fouled, but not pitted. I ran a bronze brush down the bore followed by clean patches. For twenty minutes both came out full of pitch-black soot, powder fouling and residue. So much so, that even the cleaning rod was coated! After a load of brushing and patches, I never did get the bore clean, but got it to the point where I could see sharp rifling all the way through and little to no pitting! I'll let the next owner of this fine rifle have the fun of finishing the cleaning. I expect it to eventually be a little dark, but about excellent. The .32-40 was the most rare of the chamberings for the Model 1893 and they don't show up nearly as often as the .38-55 or the smokeless chamberings. The receiver shows fine case color mixing with dark metal with more vivid colors on the right side. There is fine blue on the loading gate and barrel. The mag tube shows some brown and plum mixing, but overall the rifle shows no cleaning (including the bore!- until I had a go at it!). The forend is excellent with normal, light handling and the butt stock wood appears a little dry and shows a little more handling- looks like it may have spent time in a saddle scabbard which protected the rest of the rifle, but left the butt stock exposed to the elements. There is a fine hairline crack coming forward from the upper butt plate screw (which is missing)- minor.  Tight action, buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and correct Rocky Mountain blade front sight. An attractive and super scarce caliber case colored 1893.

SOLD

Rifle Caliber: .32-40 Winchester
Manufacturer: MARLIN
Model: 1893
Serial Number: D4XXX
Barrel Length: 26" OCT.
Condition: FINE