4178 MARLIN 1881 FIRST VARIATION LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SOLD
Sign In To View Winning Bid
This item SOLD at 2022 Nov 07 @ 13:13UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD

Cal. 45 Govt (45-70). S# 138. Bbl. 28" octagon. Bead front sight with uncommon graduated leaf rear sight having front mounted V notch aperture. Full length mag. Scarce blue finished rebated receiver having case colored hammer & lever. While “Marlin Firearms” by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy States that fewer than 600 Model 1881 rifles were produced with rebated receivers, more recent extensive research done by Mr. Runge and fellow Marlin enthusiast Rick Regnier indicate that fewer than 300 were actually manufactured. Forearm & straight grip stock of nicely grained walnut with Model 1881 steel buttplate. CONDITION: Barrel & action retain 70% lightly faded blue showing carry & edge wear. Sides of hammer retain some case colors. Original wood finish shows light wear with scattered scratches & marks. Bright bore retains sharp rifling. PROVENANCE: From the life long collection of Robert Runge. (01-21656/DS). ANTIQUE. $5,000-7,000.