Marlin Lever Action '89/.44W

hodgepodge · Dec 29, 2009

The other old weapon about which I have questions is my father-in-law's old Marlin. I don't believe this has been fired in over 40 years.

This Marlin Safety Rifle has patent dates of 1887 & 1889. The serial number is 442XX. The 27" octoganal barrel is chambered for .44W.

The receiver is nicely engraved; scroolwork on the right side, scrollwork and a deer on the left.

I want to shoot this rifle! But first, I want someone knowledgable to go over it and tell me it's safe to fire. (I'm thinking about getting into Cowboy Shooting.)

I alos need an assessment as to whether this rifle is just too old and valuable to fire.

I'll take opinions and recommendations for a gunsmith familiar with such a weapon.

Thanks.
DJH

joppaj · Dec 29, 2009

Call Gun Connection, talk to Ron, he'll want to see it. He's a fellow lever gun junkie and I suspect this would be right up his alley. That is a BEAUTIFUL rifle Sir.

Karl/PA · Dec 29, 2009

That is gorgeous.

zoostation · Dec 29, 2009

From where you live I would suggest sending Clandestine a PM and see if their shop, Scott's Gunsmithing, up in Glen Burnie will look it over for you. I would imagine even if it checks out okay your best bet for the health of the weapon would be to stick to low power loads as were the standard when the rifle was made. There is a lot of reduced pressure cowboy action ammo available out there nowadays.

Threeband · Dec 29, 2009

Wow, that thing is beautiful.

Has your wife figured out that that's the real reason you married her?

GNLaFrance · Dec 29, 2009

Two words: black powder. It's designed for it and the .44 WCF case has thin walls that expand, seal the chamber and reduce blow-back and fouling. And you can't get any more period correct!

I can't find an exact year of manufacture, but I'll bet it's early 1900s, pre-World War One. What a gorgeous piece it is!

joppaj · Dec 29, 2009

GNLaFrance said:
What a gorgeous piece it is!

Many of our members are willing to show us gorgeous family heirloom guns here, but I think this may be the prettiest I've seen. It truly is a magnificant looking weapon.

hodgepodge · Dec 29, 2009

The year of manufacture for serial number 44293 is 1890.

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php

Threeband asked: Has your wife figured out that that's the real reason you married her?
There's also beauty and cooking skill. The question has always been why she married me.

GNLaFrance · Dec 29, 2009

hodgepodge said:
The year of manufacture for serial number 44293 is 1890.

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php

Day-um! You really can't get more period correct for Western Action Shooting, then! :cool:

j8064 · Dec 29, 2009

joppaj said:
Many of our members are willing to show us gorgeous family heirloom guns here, but I think this may be the prettiest I've seen. It truly is a magnificant looking weapon.

I can't agree more. That rifle is a true beauty!

Oldcarjunkie · Dec 29, 2009

Very nice! :drool:

Tankfixr · Dec 29, 2009

A true work of art.

Threeband · Dec 29, 2009

Your rifle is very, very special. Check out this example:

http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/marlin-1889-rifle-44-40-collectible.htm

That one is $1950.00 for a standard production carbine, no checkering, no "fancy" walnut, no engraving, no pistol grip, no tang sight, no half-magazine.

Here's mention of another, plain round barrel in .38 caliber, for $3750. (On another site, I saw it stated that .44 WCF commands a 15% premium.)

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_t...1889_38-40_marlin_safety_octagon_barrel_rifle.

The question now is, where can you find a qualified appraiser?

I don't think you want to use that one for Cowboy Action Shooting.

smokedog · Dec 29, 2009

That gun is a true work of art. Very nice

Mdeng · Dec 29, 2009

That is a beutiful rifle :envy:

august1410 · Dec 29, 2009

Stunning. One of the most beautiful rifles I have seen, and hands down the most beautiful lever action I have seen outside of a museum.

hodgepodge · Dec 30, 2009

Holy Hannah! What do I have?!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=144432332

It didn't sell, but they were asking $9900. That is the exact checkering/engraving. The barrel engraving seems a little crisper or more polished.

I plan to take it into Scott's later this week.

joppaj · Dec 30, 2009

You have an amazing old rifle Sir, that's what you have. Lever actions seem to be very much prized by the right collectors.

HardHatMan · Dec 30, 2009

That's an awesome rifle man! I wouldn't sell it especially if it has been in the family the whole time

hodgepodge · Jan 3, 2010

Scott's in Glen Burnie has this gun and another old (1908) S&W pistol. The bore on the Marlin looked good. Scott's is cleaning both weapons up. I can't wait.

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