Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this lever-action rifle for a penny-start auction, this is the Marlin 1881.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Marlin
Model: 1881
Serial: 5958
Caliber: Unknown
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 28"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Flip-Up Peephole Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood Straight Grip Stock and Forarm
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Marlin Model 1881 is a historically significant lever-action rifle that holds the distinction of being the first successful large-frame repeating rifle produced by Marlin Firearms, marking the company’s emergence as a serious competitor in the late 19th-century American sporting arms market. Introduced in 1881, the rifle was designed during a period when hunters, settlers, and frontiersmen increasingly wanted repeating rifles powerful enough for large game while still offering faster follow-up shots than single-shot designs. Unlike many earlier lever guns chambered for smaller pistol cartridges, the Model 1881 was built to handle substantial black-powder rifle cartridges such as .45-70 Government, .40-60, .45-85, and other period chamberings suited for hunting elk, bear, bison, and other heavy game. It used a robust solid-top receiver design, a feature that would later become a hallmark of Marlin lever actions, providing added strength and better protection from dirt and weather compared with top-ejecting open receiver designs common at the time. The rifle fed from a tubular magazine beneath the barrel and operated through a smooth lever mechanism that allowed relatively rapid repeat shots for its era. Most examples were fitted with octagon barrels, walnut stocks, crescent buttplates, and case-hardened or blued metal finishes, giving the rifle the handsome craftsmanship typical of 19th-century sporting arms. Barrel lengths varied, and factory options often included different sights or special-order features depending on customer preference. In practical use, the Model 1881 gained respect as a powerful hunting rifle capable of taking North American big game while offering the speed advantage of a repeater, though its large size and heavy cartridges made it more substantial than smaller saddle carbines. Production continued through the early 1890s before it was eventually replaced by more refined Marlin lever-action models such as the 1889 and later 1895 designs. Today, the Marlin Model 1881 is highly valued by collectors and firearms historians because it represents the foundation of Marlin’s large-bore lever-action legacy, combining frontier-era practicality, strong mechanical design, and the craftsmanship of America’s golden age of sporting arms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 1881
Serial: 5958
Caliber: Unknown
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 28"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Flip-Up Peephole Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood Straight Grip Stock and Forarm
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Marlin Model 1881 is a historically significant lever-action rifle that holds the distinction of being the first successful large-frame repeating rifle produced by Marlin Firearms, marking the company’s emergence as a serious competitor in the late 19th-century American sporting arms market. Introduced in 1881, the rifle was designed during a period when hunters, settlers, and frontiersmen increasingly wanted repeating rifles powerful enough for large game while still offering faster follow-up shots than single-shot designs. Unlike many earlier lever guns chambered for smaller pistol cartridges, the Model 1881 was built to handle substantial black-powder rifle cartridges such as .45-70 Government, .40-60, .45-85, and other period chamberings suited for hunting elk, bear, bison, and other heavy game. It used a robust solid-top receiver design, a feature that would later become a hallmark of Marlin lever actions, providing added strength and better protection from dirt and weather compared with top-ejecting open receiver designs common at the time. The rifle fed from a tubular magazine beneath the barrel and operated through a smooth lever mechanism that allowed relatively rapid repeat shots for its era. Most examples were fitted with octagon barrels, walnut stocks, crescent buttplates, and case-hardened or blued metal finishes, giving the rifle the handsome craftsmanship typical of 19th-century sporting arms. Barrel lengths varied, and factory options often included different sights or special-order features depending on customer preference. In practical use, the Model 1881 gained respect as a powerful hunting rifle capable of taking North American big game while offering the speed advantage of a repeater, though its large size and heavy cartridges made it more substantial than smaller saddle carbines. Production continued through the early 1890s before it was eventually replaced by more refined Marlin lever-action models such as the 1889 and later 1895 designs. Today, the Marlin Model 1881 is highly valued by collectors and firearms historians because it represents the foundation of Marlin’s large-bore lever-action legacy, combining frontier-era practicality, strong mechanical design, and the craftsmanship of America’s golden age of sporting arms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1171530075 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-10 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
585.85 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-05-10 17:07:49 |
