Marlin 1893 Trapper Carbine .32-40 Win Lever Action Rifle 15” C&R Exempt
SOLD FOR: $5,825
Make: Marlin
Model: Model 1893
Serial Number: 291399
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1935, 1904
Caliber: .32-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle, Tubular Magazine
Markings: The barrel is marked “Marlin Fire-Arms Co., New-Haven, Ct. U.S.A. / Pat’d Oct. 11. 1887. April 2. 1889. Aug. 1. 1893” / “32-40”, and “Special Smokeless Steel”. The top of the receiver is marked “Marlin Safety”. The underside of the frame is marked “291399” and the upper tang is marked “Model / 1893”.
Barrel Length: 15″
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a pin set front beaded blade. The rear sight is a v-notch leaf dovetailed to the barrel that folds up into a ladder sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are varnished wood. The condition of the wood is exceptional, with proud fit to the metal and very few marks or dings. We believe this to be the original wood condition. The wood has darkened a bit where it meets the metal. The LOP measures about 13 ?”. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue / Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi dark with defined rifling. There is erosion evenly spread throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows only a few surface marks on the barrel and magazine tube. These marks are extremely light. The frame shows the majority of its case colors, with thinning at the edges and where handling is frequently found. The colors are still vibrant, with just a hint of mottling. The Screw heads are sharp with strong slots and only light turning marks on a couple of screws. The markings are crisp – there is no question that the metal finish is original. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its Leather Scabbard in Excellent condition. The scabbard has compression marks and minor scuffs. There are no rips or tears. A couple of the leather stitches are broken at the midlength. There is some verdigris around some of the brass.
Our Assessment: The Marlin 1893 Trapper Carbine in .32-40 is a highly sought-after piece of Americana, offering a blend of history and function that has captivated firearms enthusiasts for generations. Originally designed by John Marlin in the late 19th century, the 1893 model was a lever-action rifle intended to compete with Winchester’s popular designs. However, the Trapper Carbine variant sets itself apart with its shorter barrel length, this one being 15 inches, making it more maneuverable and ideal for close-quarters use in trapping, hunting, and ranch work. Chambered in .32-40, a cartridge originally developed for black powder but later adapted to smokeless powder, the rifle was prized for its accuracy and moderate recoil, features that made it popular among competitive shooters of its era.
The rifle features Marlin’s signature solid-top receiver and side ejection, which allows for easier mounting of scopes compared to its top-ejecting counterparts. The 1893 Trapper Carbine came with iron sights but was readily adaptable for optics, a forward-looking feature for its time. The blue and case hardened steel on this rifle are exceptionally vibrant and almost radiates off this particular beauty, which is even more impressive given its age.
In sum, this Marlin 1893 Trapper Carbine in .32-40 is a classic American firearm that captures the spirit of a bygone era while still remaining a highly functional piece. Whether you’re a collector interested in historical firearms or a shooter with an appreciation for classic designs, this rifle is a tangible link to America’s rich gun-making heritage. Its compact size, combined with its accuracy and craftsmanship, make it an enduring and versatile firearm that stands the test of time. Given its 15 inch barrel, it is worth noting and appreciating that this rifle is specifically C&R exempt. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
