Lot 3033

Antique Special Order Marlin Model 1881 Rifle in .45-70 Gov.

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Antique Special Order Marlin Model 1881 Rifle in .45-70 Gov.

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $3,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Fine Antique Special Order Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle in Highly Desirable .45-70 Government Manufactured in 1883, this is a fine example of an early production Marlin Model 1881 rifle in the highly desirable and powerful .45-70 Government. When introduced, these Marlins were the most powerful repeating rifle available, significantly outclassing Winchester's Model 1876. The design was based on patents from Andrew Burgess, H.F. Wheeler, E.A.F. Toepperwein, and John Marlin and was a robust repeater which was capable of handling some of the most powerful cartridges of the time, including the venerable .45-70, which had been adopted by the U.S. military as their standard rifle cartridge. By the time this rifle was produced, the .45-70 cartridge had a well-established reputation and would have been prevalent in the American West, making a rifle such as this a highly desirable frontier companion. The rifle has standard markings. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a Lyman peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and nicely figured straight grip stock with a smooth steel shotgun buttplate.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: 1881

BBL: 28 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue

Serial Number5136

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retains 60% of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, traces of the original case colors on the hammer and lever, and 40% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance a mixed grey and brown patina and a few patches of antiquing on the bottom and right of the receiver. The wood is also fine with a small corner chip from the wrist where it meets the receiver and scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000