Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3112

Lot 3112:Special Order Factory Engraved Marlin Model 1881 Deluxe Rifle

December 10th, 2023|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3112

Lot 3112:Special Order Factory Engraved Marlin Model 1881 Deluxe Rifle

December 10th, 2023|Bedford, TX
Estimated Price$35,000 - $50,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare Special Order Factory Engraved Marlin Model 1881 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle with Rare Set Triggers

This was the first of the Marlin lever action magazine rifles and has always been regarded as a high quality rifle. It is capable of handling the large calibers and was well received by the shooting public. This rifle was manufactured either late in the first year of production, 1881, or early in 1882. There were approximately 20,000 Model 1881s manufactured between 1881 and 1892. This rifle has the following deluxe special order features: checkered forearm and straight grip stock, casehardened engraved receiver, and rare double set triggers. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Marlin address/patent and reissue dates, "45 Govt" marked behind the rear sight and the serial number is on the underside of the receiver. The receiver is floral scroll engraved with punch dot background with game scenes in the center, the left side of a running deer, the right a buffalo and a deer head on the top of the receiver. Other features include a Marbles #3 front blade sight with a bead and an adjustable elevator rear semi buckhorn sight. The forearm has a casehardened steel forend cap and there is a steel buttplate on the stock. A prior owner indicated this rifle was on display at Harrold's Club in Reno, Nevada for 35 or 40 years. Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection

ConditionVery good. The barrel and magazine tube retain 80% slightly faded original blue with the balance a mix of a smooth blue/brown finish. The magazine tube has a smooth mottled brown patina. The receiver retains 70% of the original vivid case colors with the balance silvered out to smooth mottled patina. The hammer and lever show much of the original casehardened pattern and have a smooth mottled gray patina. The buttplate has a dark patina with some light spotting. The wood is very fine with scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The checkering shows some minor bruises; otherwise, the checkering is crisp. Mechanically fine.
Details
ManufacturerMarlin Firearms Co
Model1881
TypeRifle
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge45-70 Government
Barrel28 inch octagon
Finishblue/casehardened
Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views2173
Catalog page68
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 1040Factory Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1881 Rifle
View Lot
Lot 58Antique Marlin Model 1881 Rifle in .45-70 Government
View Lot
Lot 1006Antique Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Lot 1019Ulrich Factory Engraved Three-Barrel Set Marlin Model 1893 Rifle
View Lot
Show More