1881 Collection Addition

[Road King]

Thought I would share a recent addition to my Model 1881 collection. This is a rebated frame, 1st model, 1st variation in .45 govt. 28" barrel with no special features. What is unusual is that it is serial number 385 and I have # 322 which is not a rebated frame. I assume that receivers were made and likely sat around before serial numbers were stamped. this one was likely sitting in the bottom of a pile with some 2nd variation frames on top of it.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Brian;

I have recorded numbers 285 and 292 as not rebated. But, I have number 287 as rebated along with number 569 as rebated. The numbers are all mixed up in these early Model 1881 Marlins. There is a pretty clear line around the 300 numbers. Some rebated a little higher, but some non-rebated below 300. But, so far, only one rebated Model 1881 has been found factory engraved!

[marlinman93]

Nice Model 1881 There and a neat addition to your collection!
I've found this mixing and delayed production features on numerous Marlin made guns over many decades collecting. It really confuses us as to why some features show up way beyond the time frames when changes were made! I own an old Marlin Ballard with "JM Marlin" stamped receiver, but has the concave top receiver of a later "Marlin Firearms Co." marked post 1881 era, and a serial number putting it well towards the end of production in 1890. How a receiver got rollstamped maybe a decade earlier, but didn't get assembled or serial numbered a decade later is beyond me?
I asked this question of Bill Brophy many decades ago, and he said it wasn't uncommon for parts to get "lost" in the factory, and during a search to show up later and be assembled. He told me when Marlin moved the factory he found numerous old Ballard barrels during the move that were brand new, and had sat there for over 85 years unused. I asked where the barrels went and he said he gave them to Marlin collectors he knew had Ballard rifles.