Lot 23

Antique Special Order Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Short Rifle

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Antique Special Order Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Short Rifle

Estimate: $2,750 - $4,250

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Antique Special Order Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Short Rifle in Desirable .38-55 W.C.F. Manufactured in 1886, this is a solid example of the powerful Marlin Model 1881 rifle. This rifle was made the same year Winchester finally delivered their response to Marlin's 1881 in the John Browning designed Model 1886. These rifles were popular in the American west, giving one the firepower necessary to handle essentially any threat they might face. This particular example was special ordered with a 24 inch barrel, of which only 2,788 were produced according to William Brophy in "Marlin Firearms". The top of the barrel has the two-line Marlin address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a Marble No. 3 beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a peep sight on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: 1881

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number14791

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retain 60% of the original blue finish and faint patterns of the original case colors on the buttplate and forearm cap with the balance a grey or brown patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The wood is very good with a few hairline cracks in the rear of the forearm 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