Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Marlin Model 1893 “New Safety” lever-action rifle in .38-55 W.C.F., Serial No. 185412, generally attributed to 1898 production. It features a 26-inch round barrel, full-length magazine, solid-top side-ejecting receiver, and iconic "Buckhorn" rear adjustable sight" with a bar front sight. The rifle displays a lovely plum patina, solid walnut stocks, and a smooth and tight action.

World-renowned sharpshooters Annie Oakley, a star of Buffalo Bill's Wild West, and Frank C. Miller, crack shot of the Irwin Bros. Cheyenne Frontier Days Wild West Show, often shot with Marlin rifles in their exhibitions.

"I gave as high as 15 exhibitions a day, shooting under all conditions, rain, wind, night, in parades in the streets," Miller said in a 1915 interview. "And late last fall, I used some of the guns on a hunting trip to Canada and Wyoming. From all this, you can see what opinion I have of Marlin guns."

This classic '93 example is in .38-55 Winchester / Ballard caliber (marked 38-55 over the Chamber), with a 26" round barrel. The model 1893 was a refinement of the earlier "New Safety" Model 1889, which was he first solid-top receiver, lever action rifle with a side ejection that threw the fired cases, or live cartridges, to the right-hand side of the rifle as opposed to being thrown straight up and out of the gun. There were several "Models" of the New Safety introduced subsequently, which differed in frame size and chambering, and the line was extremely popular.

The top of the barrel engraving is still mostly clear:

The top of the receiver is faintly marked ⇝ MARLIN SAFETY ⇜ and the bottom front bears serial number 185412, indicating that this rifle was manufactured in 1898. It has the correct MODEL 1893 marking on the receiver tang, and the side of the barrel is marked SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL., seen on barrels from that era designed for the new smokeless powder cartridges. The .38-55 was made as a black powder cartridge, but rifles like this were made for those who wanted to possibly utilize the new smokeless powder.

The "New Safety" upgrades to the design included a locking lug and firing pin system that prevented discharge until the bolt was locked in place. The new model also utilized a cartridge carrier that raised automatically, closing the end of the magazine after the head of the cartridge had passed into the carrier, thus preventing the next cartridge from entering the carrier and jamming the action. And of course the basis of the "Safety" name came from the ejection port on the right side, not on the top, which meant things like gas escape, ruptured primers, and even ejected hot cartridges would no longer endanger the face of the shooter.

The metalwork displays a pleasing dark plum patina overall, having faded from the original bluing. The barrel and receiver markings are somewhat faint, which could possibly indicate a period refinish. The barrel is fitted with a bar shaped front sight, and iconic "Buckhorn" rear adjustable sight.

The wood stocks are in very good shape, with the beautiful red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut. The finish looks to be the usual oil and wax used during the period, and aside from minor handling marks such as scratches and dents, there is no major damage such as cracks or repairs. We did note that the left side of the butt stock is a bit dark towards the butt plate. The rifle cycles well, with a tight action, no sticking, and a crisp dry fire. We did not check it for the ability to feed or eject any type of cartridges. We checked the bore, and it is overall somewhat dark, showing overall oxidation and past fouling. We checked with an LED bore light, and it does still retain strong rifling.

With its desirable .38-55 W.C.F. chambering, 26 inch round barrel, full length magazine, clearly marked Model 1893 tang, and surviving “MARLIN SAFETY” and barrel markings, this rifle has the classic appearance collectors associate with Marlin’s early solid top, side ejecting lever actions. The smooth, tight action, strong remaining rifling, well preserved walnut stocks, and substantial traces of original blue finish add considerably to its appeal, while the plum patina, faint markings, dark bore, and possible period refinish honestly reflect its age and use. Generally attributed to 1898 production by serial number, this would display particularly well in an antique American firearms, early Marlin, Old West, or classic lever action rifle collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1898
Maker: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model 1893 Repeating Rifle
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester / Ballard
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 44 3/8 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Repeater
Feed System: Tube magazine
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

Dubbed as the New Safety Repeating Rifle, the 1889 Marlin was a mid-sized, redesigned 1888 model. The most noticeable difference was the solid top with its side-ejection system. Internal upgrades included a locking lug and firing pin system that prevented discharge until the bolt was locked in place. The new model also utilized a cartridge carrier that raised automatically, closing the end of the magazine after the head of the cartridge had passed into the carrier, thus preventing the next cartridge from entering the carrier and jamming the action: an important feature, since the rifle was produced in the .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 chamberings (only 34 made with .25-20).

The similarity between the .38-40 and the .44-40 cartridges sometimes caused confusion for shooters. If a shooter accidentally loaded a .44-40 into a .38-40, the lever would not close properly. With the '89 Marlin, he simply had to lever downward, as if the .44-40 was an empty shell, and the oversized cartridge would be thrown to the side.

Standard '89 Marlin rifles included a 24-inch octagonal or round barrel, although barrels could be ordered in intervals of two inches up to 32 inches. The 1889 was Marlin's first carbine. Standard carbines had 20-inch tubes, while around 300-plus were made with a 15-inch version, and just four were turned out with 24-inch barrels.

Rifles were fitted with "Rocky Mountain" sights made up of a German silver blade front sight and a semi-buckhorn-type rear sight, which could be elevated by a stepped elevator. The stock was straight-grained walnut with a steel-capped forearm and a crescent-style steel butt plate (carbines wore a carbine-style butt plate). Barrels and all hardware were blued, while the hammer, lever and butt plate wore the colorful Marlin case-hardening. The model also came as a short rifle, takedown model and musket.

Although somewhat revolutionary in the firearms world, the '89 still had minor drawbacks that would be eliminated from Marlin's subsequent models. The manufacturer removed the rear-locking lug, which extended down into the trigger guard and had a tendency to pinch the shooter's fingers during rapid-fire cycling. It also did away with the small spring-loaded retainer at the rear of the lower tang that held the lever in place when closed, which shooters disliked.

Nevertheless, the 1889 Marlin was well received on the frontier and nationwide. More than 55,000 guns left the factory between 1889 and 1903. In its day, the model was considered state-of-the-art. Now, 125 years later, the 1889 Marlin is an extremely collectible firearm.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.