This was Marlins first lever action rifle with a total production of about 20,000 from 1881 to 1892. The top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two-line address/patent and reissue dates, and "45 Govt" at the breech. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. The 32" inch heavy barrel is equipped with a German silver blade front and adjustable rear buckhorn sights. The top rear of the bolt and upper tang are drilled and taped for sight mounting. Finished blue with casehardened lever and hammer, 3/4 magazine tube and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron end cap and crescent buttplate. The accompanying Marlin letter indicates that this Model 1881 was completed at the Marlin factory in New Haven, Conn. On July 7, 1890, caliber .45-70 and 32 inch octagon barrel.