September 15, 16, & 17, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Lot #1373:
(A) DELUXE MARLIN MODEL 1881 .45-70 LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH NEW MEXICO TERRITORY PRESENTATION
This is a special order nickel plated large frame short rifle with a heavy full octagon barrel and full length magazine tube. The front sight has a 1" center set back with a 1/2" set back to hanger, which is correct for this model. The front sight is a silver knife blade with a blued semi-buckhorn sporting rear sight. Muzzle is flat. Checkered walnut stock and forearm, butt with sling swivel. The left side is engraved "PRESENTED BY DAVID BRANSON to ANDREW O'HARA, REMEMBRANCE OF HIS PROMPT and BRAVE RESPONCE TO A CALL FOR HELP when we swam the RIO GRANDE at high water CABALLO MOUNTAINS NEW MEXICO AUGUST 20TH 1881". Branson was a well-known figure in that region in 1881 and crossing the Rio Grande during flooded conditions was a perilous undertaking. He presented this rifle to O'Hara for saving his life. Research at a local library may turn up an article on this event. CONDITION: Fine. The frame retains flashes of nickel finish with balance a clean gunmetal appearance. The barrel retains at least 70% of its nickel with some scattered flaking and edge wear. The tube retains nickel in protected areas. The stock is solid with sharp checkering, some finish loss and oil darkening. The forearm exhibits some minor dents and bit of crazing at frame. Mechanically sound with a well defined frosted bore. A true piece of not so well known Western frontier history.