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March 6, 2026
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Hope I attached it properly – sorry I’m not great with things like this.
It is chambered in 30WCF and kicks like a mule. I believe it is an 1894 that was built in 1902 (Serial 158902) but hoping someone can confirm – happy to upload more photos if that would help.
I was told that it belonged to my grandfather when it was given to me by my great uncle who kindly offered to “hold on” to my grandfathers gun collection after he passed away.
Anyway, I’d appreciate if anyone had some input that could fill in some of the blanks for me.
Thanks!
April 15, 2005
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October 1902. The Cody Firearms Museum can (for a modest fee) provide you with a Factory letter with all of the details.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 6, 2026
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Bert H. said
October 1902. The Cody Firearms Museum can (for a modest fee) provide you with a Factory letter with all of the details.
Bert
Thanks for the quick reply! I knew it was old but it’s very cool to think that I hunt with the same rifle my grandfather (and likely his father) used and that it still functions extremely well 125 years later.
I’m assuming it would be a bad move if I tried to clean it up a bit on my own, right? I hit it with a microfiber and some oil periodically but was thinking about refinishing the wood and hitting the metal with some super fine wet sandpaper to smooth it out a bit.
June 26, 2013
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I’m assuming it would be a bad move if I tried to clean it up a bit on my own, right? I hit it with a microfiber and some oil periodically but was thinking about refinishing the wood and hitting the metal with some super fine wet sandpaper to smooth it out a bit.
You are absolutely right that it would be a bad move. Do not refinish the wood and definitely keep the sandpaper far away. If there is any ACTIVE rust, you can knock that down carefully with oil and 100% copper or bronze wool. Then wipe the metal down with a light coat of oil. That rifle has 125 years of history and it should be preserved as-is. Would like to see some photos.
Don
March 6, 2026
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deerhunter said
I’m assuming it would be a bad move if I tried to clean it up a bit on my own, right? I hit it with a microfiber and some oil periodically but was thinking about refinishing the wood and hitting the metal with some super fine wet sandpaper to smooth it out a bit.
You are absolutely right that it would be a bad move. Do not refinish the wood and definitely keep the sandpaper far away. If there is any ACTIVE rust, you can knock that down carefully with oil and 100% copper or bronze wool. Then wipe the metal down with a light coat of oil. That rifle has 125 years of history and it should be preserved as-is. Would like to see some photos.
Don
Hah I figured that would be considered sacrilegious – I’ll leave as is. I’ve got an old 10-22 that might fall victim to my refinishing aspirations.
Anyhow, I’d be happy to share some more photos. Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for?
March 6, 2026
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deerhunter said
I’m assuming it would be a bad move if I tried to clean it up a bit on my own, right? I hit it with a microfiber and some oil periodically but was thinking about refinishing the wood and hitting the metal with some super fine wet sandpaper to smooth it out a bit.
You are absolutely right that it would be a bad move. Do not refinish the wood and definitely keep the sandpaper far away. If there is any ACTIVE rust, you can knock that down carefully with oil and 100% copper or bronze wool. Then wipe the metal down with a light coat of oil. That rifle has 125 years of history and it should be preserved as-is. Would like to see some photos.
Don
Harder to take clear, high res photos than I thought. I’ve got a very pregnant wife asking why I’m still up so I’ll have to post more tomorrow.
December 21, 2006
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I would replace saddle ring , other than that it looks like it should. I can’t tell if that is a carbine butt plate or a shotgun butt plate. Like Bert said, it would be great to have the factory letter with it.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
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