Lot 3031

Factory Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1881 Rifle in .45-70 Gov.

Previous image preload Next image preload

Factory Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1881 Rifle in .45-70 Gov.

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

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

Antique Special Order Factory Panel Scene Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-70 Government Manufactured in 1882, just the second year of production, this is a highly desirable example of a factory panel scene engraved Marlin Model 1881 rifle. The Model 1881 is historically significant in its own right as Marlin's first entry into the lever action market, as well as the first serious competitor to Winchester's repeater dominance. The Model 1881 design was based on patents from Andrew Burgess, H.F. Wheeler, E.A.F. Toepperwein, and John Marlin himself and was a robust repeater which was capable of handling some of the most powerful cartridges of the time including .38-55 and .45-70, outclassing even Winchester's large Model 1876. Many of these Model 1881s found their way to America's West, even in deluxe configurations such as this, seeing many years of hard use on the frontier and leaving few available to collectors today. The engraving on this rifle was almost certainly executed by factory Master Engraver Conrad F. Ulrich, a legendary artist of the late 19th century. It is noted that between 1881 and 1910, Ulrich was responsible for essentially all of Marlin's engraving work. The engraving on the rifle is a variation of the No. 1 pattern, with circular panel scenes on either side of the receiver, a buck on the left and a grizzly bear on the right, both surrounded by attractive floral scrollwork on a beaded background. The top flat of the period shortened barrel on this example strangely appears to have left the factory without the two-line address and patent date rollmark, while the caliber marking is at the breech. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver, left side of the upper and lower tang, front face of the stock wrist, and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a Beach combination front sight and an elevation adjustable "buckhorn" notch rear sight. It is mounted with a nicely figured forearm and straight grip stock, both with factory No. B checkering, and fitted with a smooth steel curved buttplate.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: 1881

BBL: 26 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue

Serial Number2512

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Good, retains 30% of the original blue finish on the barrel with the balance a mixed grey and brown patina, some scattered minor dings, pitting on the buttplate, and distinct engraving. The wood is also good with a few minor cracks, minor dings and scratches, and well-worn but visible checkering. Mechanically excellent. This rifle definitely has that "Old West" look!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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