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Marlin Model 1888 .38-40 Winchester 26" Octagon Lever Action Rifle, Antique

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Marlin Model 1888 .38-40 Winchester 26  Octagon Lever Action Rifle, Antique
Marlin Model 1888 .38-40 Winchester 26" Octagon Lever Action Rifle MFD 1889 Antique

Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 1888, one of the 4,312 produced with a 26″ barrel between 1888 and 1889. It has a top ejection port. It looks like a prime cowboy piece that probably saw a lot of action. The bore is not the worst we have seen come out of the 1880’s it has a genuine charm from its age and use. The action functions properly. This would make a nice addition to a Marlin collection that is lacking one of the lesser seen models. Please see our photos and good luck!

Make: Marlin

Model: 1888

Serial Number: 24859

Year of Manufacture: 1889 Antique

Caliber: .38-40 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle With Full Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "MARLIN FIRe-ARMS CO., NeW HAVeN CT. U.S.A. / PATeNTeD OCTOBeR 11 1887" and at the receiver with "38-W". The underside of the trigger plate is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: The octagonal barrel is 26" in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled in one place for installing a tang sight (not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a crescent buttplate. There is a repaired portion of wood on the bottom rear of the forearm. There is also a small repaired spot on the right side of the buttstock just behind the grip. There are several scattered compressions, scuffs, draglines, and scratches. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has a dark patina and several dings and scratches. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as Antique and repaired.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly dim, the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, for the age, this bore rates a 7 out of 10.Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors' firearms.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Some bluing remains on the octagon flats though most remaining finish has gone to a light mottled patina and some areas are worn bright. There is scattered erosion and light pitting. There are several scattered nicks, scratches, and dings in the surfaces and the most notable can be viewed on the right side of the receiver. Two of the screws on the right side of the receiver do not appear to be original and there is an additional drilled and tapped hole; the other screws are disfigured but appear serviceable. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-Plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not test fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

CA LeGAL: ANTIQUe