Exceptionally rare Marlin Model 1881 full deluxe octagon rifle made in 1889. The Model 1881 was Marlin’s first lever action rifle and was revolutionary for the time because it could fire the .45 Government round (.45-70) and the .40-60 Marlin caliber, which was simply a .45-70 case tapered to hold a .40 caliber bullet (Winchester copied this cartridge and called it the .40-65 Winchester). Exceptionally smooth functioning and reliability made this a very popular rifle for its time. Because it fired large, powerful rounds, it was especially well suited to western frontier use. This example with serial number 27856 was a special order rifle. It was made with a checkered pistol grip butt stock and forearm. Additionally, it was ordered with double set triggers that are normally found only on precision single shot rifles of the period and rarely encountered on any lever action repeating rifle. This one is chambered in .40-60 Marlin caliber (.40-65 Win.). Overall it is in the wonderful uncleaned and unaltered “attic condition” that collectors appreciate. Most of the Model 1881 Marlin rifles saw very hard service under difficult conditions and when encountered today reflect this in their often poor states of preservation. This rifle shows normal frontier usage, but retains a solid walnut stock and forend with no signs of cracking or chipping. The wood to metal fit is very tight indicating that the stock and forend have never been refinished or sanded in any way. The receiver blue has evenly aged to a deep aged plum patina and retains the sliding loading gate. Only the dust cover on the receiver top is missing, as is usual for this model, and can fairly easily be replaced or simply left as is. The 28” octagon barrel and full magazine also show a fine uncleaned aged blue to brown patina with the barrel retaining all the original fine Marlin markings and patent dates. The buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar remains intact and the Rocky Mountain blade front sight appear original and correct for this model- frequently rifles of this age are encountered with altered or changed sights. The double set triggers are a special order option rarely found on this, or any Marlin model, and they function perfectly. The triggers help in precise shooting by pulling the rear trigger until it “clicks” or sets. Then minimal pressure on the front or “hair” trigger releases the hammer and fires the rifle. When encountered, double set triggers on rifles of this age are rarely still functional. Also amazingly, the bore condition of this 134 year old rifle would rate excellent with sharp rifling from breech to muzzle and no appreciable pitting whatsoever. The Model 1881 Marlin found favor with frontiersmen who felt they needed a repeating rifle firing a major- power cartridge that until the Model 1881 could only be had in a single shot firearm. The land west of the Mississippi River was still lawless and game rich at the same time. A hunter or lawman armed with a Model 1881 had a great advantage over nearly everyone else at the time. Any Marlin Model 1881 is a scarce and desirable big lever action collectible rifle. Finding one of the few manufactured with a checkered pistol grip and forearm along with functioning double set triggers is a rarity in itself. An unusual opportunity to acquire one of the first big bore repeating rifles of the Wild West and one with very rare and desirable features. Serial Number: 27856. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.