This lot features a hard to find example of a Marlin Model 1889 .44-40 Caliber Lever Action Rifle. This was a limited production model when it was introduced in 1889, as Marlin’s first side ejecting rifle until it was replaced by the new Model 1894. One of the more desirable and difficult of the early Marlin rifles to locate. This Model 1889 has an early manufacture date of 1891. This one is complete and fine mechanically with a fine walnut stock and forend with good wood to metal fit. The barrel and magazine show a patina’d blue finish. The firearm utilizes a 24" round barrel, a buckhorn rear sight with Rocky Mountain blade front sight, excellent sharp and clear markings on the barrel top with last patent date of 1889 and “44 W” (for .44 Winchester Center Fire or .44-40- Marlin didn’t want to mention the Winchester name on its products!), correct “MARLIN SAFETY” marking on the receiver top, probably had a tang sight mounted at one time as the factory drilled tang sight holes are empty. A scarce early frontier model in the most in-demand and hard to find caliber .44-40. Serial Number: 53412. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.