Description

A .38-40 (W.C.F.) 'MODEL 1894' LEVER-ACTION RIFLE BY MARLIN, NO. 219357 made in 1901 serial number 219357 THIS RIFLE IS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE PURCHASE EMAIL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS BUT DON'T CALL BY PHONE PLEASE. PLEASE NOTE: YOU CANNOT PURCHASE THIS RIFLE WITHOUT A CURRENT FIREARMS CERTIFICATE WITH AUTHORITY TO POSSESS A 38-40 RIFLE. Ex Max Gau Collection 38-40 (W.C.F.) 'Model 1894' lever-action rifle by Marlin A very rare opportunity to acquire a very near mint and all original condition 38-40 (W.C.F.) 'Model 1894' lever-action rifle by Marlin, virtually unused from when it left the factory new in 1901! The bore is perfect and looks like it has never been shot. Made during the 'Golden Age' for Marlin which was from the early 1890's to the early 1900's. This was the period when Marlin rifles were made to outstanding standards in terms of quality of manufacture and finish. Heavy target barrel model.Plain receiver, retaining virtually-full original distinctive Marlin colour case hardening, stamped Marlin Safety, the top tang drilled and tapped for a sight and stamped Model 1894, full serial number is stamped on the left side of upper tang, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside of butt-plate, the figured stock with crescent steel butt-plate with much hardening-colour, the forend with blued steel cap, the round barrel engraved Marlin Fire-Arms Co., New-Haven, CT. U.S.A. Pat'd Oct. 11 1887 April 2 1889 Aug 1 1893., with full-length magazine-tube, Jim Kelly colour case foresight to match the receiver and plus Marlin vernier target rear sight. The original buckhorn rear-sight with adjustable centre insert is also included in the sale. 28in. barrel, recent Birmingham nitro proof (minimal marks) Max Gau (1952-2017), a French entrepreneur and an avid fan of the Wild West, began amassing a collection of antique and special edition Winchester and Marlin rifles over 25 years to form probably the largest private collection of lever action rifles in the world. He was a most discerning collector, only selecting and purchasing the very best examples available. Most of the rifles were shipped from the USA, with only a minority sourced selectively from mainland Europe. Max Gau, who died tragically in 2018 founded a popular shooting club in the south of France some 38 years ago and ran it until his death ln 2018. The extent of his almost obsessive passion for Winchesters and Marlin remained a secret from his family, a secret which was only revealed after his passing Reloading dies included in the sale.