Exceedingly rare deluxe Marlin 1893 "B" Model in .32-40 caliber. This unusual Marlin with serial number 250534 features a deluxe checkered pistol grip stock, half octagon barrel and half magazine, along with a case colored receiver. This example has the 26" barrel stamped " FOR BLACK POWDER." Only a few of these black powder Model 1893s were produced and are known as the "Model 1893 B." There is considerable misinformation about these Black Powder marked 1893s. Simply, Marlin had barrels made of high grade "soft" steel that were better suited to lead bullets instead of high velocity jacketed bullets. Barrels marked "Special Smokeless Steel" were made for jacketed bullets- similar to Winchester's "Nickel Steel" barrels made for the same purpose. The actions of "B" rifles and carbines were the same, and just as strong, as the "Smokeless" rifles. It was certainly safe to fire jacketed bullets in the "B" rifles, but the barrels tended to wear faster than the smokeless barrels. "B" black powder rifles were only made in .32-40 and .38-55. Typically, they cost less than smokeless guns and were made in far fewer numbers. At the time, most .32-40 and .38-55 ammo was loaded with lead bullets with either black or smokeless powder. The "B" series were typically standard round or octagon barrel rifles with full magazines and BLUED receivers. Anything other than this is exceptionally rare and could be considered a true Marlin oddity. This example with checkering, pistol grip, half-octagon barrel and half-magazine with CASE HARDENED/CASE COLORED receiver is truly unusual. The receiver colors have mostly silvered with some color in the most protected areas around the edges of the receiver sides and around the hammer. The loading gate retains fine blue. The barrel and mag blue is still deep and fine. The wood shows normal handling but is fine with tight wood to metal fit. The checkering on the pistol grip is fine and only lightly worn. The forearm checkering is visible, but worn from handling. All markings are sharp and clear. The barrel is fitted with the original buckhorn rear sight with elevation bar intact and a Marble/Sheared marked long blade/bead front sight. The bore is bright and excellent. Screw heads are excellent, action is tight and the half-cock on the hammer is strong. You could look for years and never find another like this. All Black Powder marked Marlin 1893 B rifles chambered in .32-40 are considered antique. This is an exceptionally rare deluxe Marlin in very fine condition inside and out. The rifle weighs 7lbs 6oz. Serial Number: 250534. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic firearm, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.*