A really nice condition 1881 Marlin especially for one that was on the western frontier of Wyoming in the 1880's.  It's serial number is 41088. The rifle has the Freund Bros. "More Light Sights" which were patented in 1880.  I've know of these sights for years but this is the first I've ever seen. The Freund Bros. went West working as gumsmith on the Union Pacific Rairoad and settled in Cheyenne,Wy. in 1867 where the set up shop until 1885.  They were famous for their quality improvements on guns in particular "Buffalo Rifles." The man who owned this Marlin certainly knew what he was doing as he ordered it in the rare .45-70 cal.(4769 mfg.) with a 28" barrel which still has a beautiful bore. The barrel still has most of it's factory blue which is starting to acquire a blue-brown patina where as the magazine tube is still vivid blue. The receiver is mostly patina with some blue in the recess'. The action is as smooth as the day it left the factory.  Another special feature of the rifle are the double set triggers which also function quite nicely. These heavy caliber Marlins really had it hands down over their competition which was the 1886 Winchester. This rifle could handle it all  including Grizzly's, Buffalo or Indians.   A really super Western rifle.

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