Highly Desirable Factory Game Scene Engraved Special Order Marlin Deluxe Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle

A scarce and highly collectible deluxe Marlin Model 1881 rifle, manufactured in 1889 and attributed to famed Marlin factory Master Engraver Conrad F. Ulrich. With special-order features, documented factory-letter details, early Ulrich-style game-scene engraving, and Marlin’s historically important first lever-action design, this rifle represents a standout opportunity for advanced Marlin, lever-action, and American West collectors.

• Manufactured in 1889
• Fine example of a special-ordered, deluxe Marlin Model 1881 rifle
• Engraving artistry attributed to Conrad F. Ulrich, Marlin’s factory Master Engraver
• Historically significant model:
  • The Model 1881 was Marlin’s first entry into the lever-action rifle market
  • It was the first serious competitor to Winchester’s dominance in repeating rifles
  • It provided the foundation for Marlin’s long-running challenge to Winchester, a challenge in which Marlin ultimately found more success than any other competitor
• Important technical and historical design background:
  • Based on patents from Andrew Burgess, H.F. Wheeler, E.A.F. Toepperwein, and John Marlin
  • Built as a robust repeating rifle capable of handling some of the most powerful cartridges of its time
  • Chamberings included powerful cartridges such as .38-55 and .45-70
  • Outclassed even Winchester’s large Model 1876 in cartridge capability
  • Winchester would not release its Browning-designed Model 1886 answer until five years later
• Strong American West appeal:
  • Popular among Western hunters, especially large-game hunters
  • At the time, it was the only repeating rifle available that could handle large and powerful hunting cartridges such as .38-55 and the venerable .45-70
• Scarce production and configuration:
  • Only around 20,535 Model 1881 rifles were produced
  • The vast majority were made in standard configuration, as preferred by Western hunters with limited extra income
  • Engraved deluxe examples like this rifle are therefore scarce and highly desirable
• Conrad F. Ulrich collector significance:
  • Ulrich trained under legendary Colt factory engraver Gustave Young
  • He was hired by Marlin as Master Engraver the same year the Model 1881 was released
  • He is said to have engraved essentially all of Marlin’s high-grade deluxe guns from that point until 1910
  • This rifle displays one of Ulrich’s early factory engraving patterns, offering insight into the development of his distinctive Marlin style
• Included factory letter:
  • Addressed to Mr. Tom Selleck
  • Dated February 03, 2009
  • Lists this rifle as chambered in .38-55 caliber
  • Lists a 28-inch barrel
  • Lists a pistol grip stock
  • Records shipment on 30 August 1889
• Factory-records note of collector importance:
  • Marlin factory records are notoriously incomplete
  • Factory records essentially never list engraving, even on rifles such as this that were undoubtedly engraved at the factory by Ulrich
• Engraving details:
  • Left side of receiver features a buck panel scene
  • Right side of receiver features a doe scene
  • Both game scenes are framed by a simple gadrooned border
  • Scenes are surrounded by expertly executed, simple incised scrollwork
  • Engraving has no distinctive background
  • Small floral-scroll flourishes appear on:
    • Top of the receiver ring
    • Bottom of the receiver
    • Upper tang
    • Top of the breech block
  • These simpler early factory engraving patterns are desirable as examples of Ulrich developing his unique Marlin engraving style
• Scarce factory lightweight configuration:
  • Features the narrower front forearm flange on the receiver
  • This lightweight setup adds further rarity and collector appeal
• Barrel and markings:
  • Top flat of the barrel has the standard two-line address and patent dates
  • Caliber marking is located at the breech
• Matching serial number appears in multiple locations:
  • Bottom of the receiver
  • Left side of the upper tang
  • Left side of the lower tang
  • Front face of the buttstock
  • Inside the buttplate
• Sighting equipment:
  • Beaded blade front sight
  • Elevation-adjustable “Rocky Mountain” notch rear sight
  • Peep sight mounted on the upper tang
• Stock and furniture:
  • Very nicely figured wood
  • Multi-point checkered forearm
  • Pistol grip stock
  • Smooth steel crescent buttplate

Combining deluxe special-order features, scarce factory lightweight configuration, matching-number components, strong factory-letter documentation, and engraving attributed to Conrad F. Ulrich, this 1889 Marlin Model 1881 is an exceptional collectible from the earliest and most historically important era of Marlin lever-action production.