Lot 1031

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

Previous image preload Next image preload

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 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Antique Special Order Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle in Highly Desirable .45-70 Government with Inscribed Plaque Manufactured in 1883, this is an attractive and desirable example of the robust Marlin Model 1881 rifle, the company's first repeating rifle design. These rifles incorporated various patents, including from Andrew Burgess and John Marlin himself, creating a rifle stronger than any repeater on the market at the time and capable of handling the most powerful cartridges of the day but also making it one of the most expensive on the market. The Model 1881 immediately outclassed Winchester's toggle-link action offerings of the period but would only enjoy this superiority for about five years before Winchester counter-punched with the John Moses Browning designed Model 1886. This example has the standard Marlin markings. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a pair of special ordered double set triggers. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth steel shotgun buttplate and a German silver presentation plaque on the left. The plaque is engraved with "Presented to/L.J. Moorhead/By Boulder Hose No. 1/Dec. 1. 1883." in four lines. The identity of L.J. Moorhead remains unknown, but he appears to have been associated with an early fire department, quite possibly in Boulder, Colorado.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: 1881

BBL: 28 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue

Serial Number5178

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retains 50% of the original blue finish with the balance mostly grey patina with some speckled light oxidation and freckling and some scattered minor scratches. The wood is very good with an oversize buttplate, few hairline cracks, moderate wear, and some minor dings, all typical of a rifle that saw use in the West. Mechanically excellent.

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