Rifle Identification?

[Kauaihunter]

Anyone have an idea of the make of this .45-70, octagon barrel? There are no markings except for the 4-digit serial number. I’m thinking that the fold down rear sight is not original? Front is a brass blade. The other firearms that were owned by my friend's dad were made in the 1940’s. With stamped markings and picture verification online, I think I have correctly identified those.

Barrel from receiver to muzzle is 27” long so assuming it’s 28”.

 

[rebjfan]

Is there anything on the butt plate that will help identify it?

 

[MTLabrador]

If anyone could tell you it’s probably @BrentD

 

[Kauaihunter]

Is there anything on the butt plate that will help identify it?

No, there are no markings on the rifle that I can see at all except the four digit serial number.

 

[44hunter45]

Marlin 1881 or clone.

Looks like @p_ham would know.

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[std7mag]

Interesting!!

Looks like it might possibly be older than the 1940s.
But the "serial" number kinda throws things off as they weren't required until the 1960's.

Possibly was a military firearm?
They were known for using 4 digit codes. Mostly I believe to keep the various parts together for the same firearm.

 

[Kauaihunter]

Marlin 1881 or clone.

Looks like @p_ham would know.

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That looks like an exact match!

 

[BrentD]

If anyone could tell you it’s probably @BrentD

I think it could be a Whitney. Related to the Whitney cotton gin. But it is a bit out of my wheelhouse. Shapnel or p_ham would know.

 

[shrapnel]

Looks like a Marlin 1881.

It isn’t a Whitney Kennedy or Whitney Scharf, the second and third rifles pictured…

 

[Kauaihunter]

Thanks all for the replies. I’m sifting through the Marlin serial numbers. So far I found one dated 1883 but I’m gonna keep looking to see if I can confirm. Appreciate it.

 

[44hunter45]

Can you post a detail pic of the barrel top flat between the rear sight and the receiver? There should be Marlin maker and patent dates there.

 

[Kauaihunter]

Can you post a detail pic of the barrel top flat between the rear sight and the receiver? There should be Marlin maker and patent dates there.

Ok, I will when I get home.

 

[44hunter45]

Can you post a detail pic of the barrel top flat between the rear sight and the receiver? There should be Marlin maker and patent dates there.

Actually between front and rear sights on the top flat.

 

[Kauaihunter]

Actually between front and rear sights on the top flat.

You are right, it’s so hard to make out but it’s there.

 

[Kauaihunter]

After much eye strain I got.

Marlin Fire Arms Co New Haven CT US

Serial number manufacture date puts it at 1883-1884

 

[FairWeather]

That’s awesome. A real piece of history you’ve got there

 

[Kauaihunter]

Thanks again everyone for the assistance. With the info it was easier to nail it down. After a bit of more detailed searching, I found a letter from Marlin regarding a rifle with a serial number just a little higher than this one. Marlin stated that their records indicate that other rifle was manufactured on October 16, 1883. So I believe this was made earlier in 1883.

 

[p_ham]

I'm late to the party, but that's definitely an 1881 Marlin. If you decide to shoot it, I would have headspace checked along with its general condition. There are no locking lugs, the only thing holding the bolt closed is a cam surface on the lever. Keep loads at trapdoor levels.

The rear sight is not original, the front sight could be.

 

[Kauaihunter]

I'm late to the party, but that's definitely an 1881 Marlin. If you decide to shoot it, I would have headspace checked along with its general condition. There are no locking lugs, the only thing holding the bolt closed is a cam surface on the lever. Keep loads at trapdoor levels.

The rear sight is not original, the front sight could be.

Not planning on shooting it. I think it’s just a cool piece of history to look at and talk about. I found some more period correct rear sights so that’s about all I’m gonna do to it. The front looks to be original? Action and trigger still feel great. Two of my friends already wanted to buy it but it’s not for sale.

Thanks