J. M. Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 .32 Rimfire Spur-Trigger Tip-Up Revolver, 3 Inch, Nickel over Brass, 5-Shot
This antique J. M. Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 is a compact .32 Rimfire spur-trigger pocket revolver produced circa 1875–1887. It features a 3-inch ribbed round barrel, a brass frame with nickel finish, and a five-shot fluted cylinder.
Notable period details include the under-barrel full-length ejector rod, birds-head grips with the "M.F.A. Co." legend, and a left-barrel rollmark referencing the July 1, 1873 patent from New Haven, Connecticut.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There are many areas of rust and pitting, and the nickel finish has dulled. The rifling is present, but the bore is dark and blemished. The cylinder does not reliably cycle; while some chambers will advance, the action is inconsistent.
What's Included
- J. M. Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 .32 Rimfire revolver
The No. 32 Standard 1875 is a spur-trigger, tip-up pocket revolver with a hinged frame, built for discreet carry in its day. This example retains the distinctive five-shot fluted cylinder and single-action-only mechanism associated with the series.
Construction highlights include a brass frame with a nickel finish and a 3-inch round barrel with a top rib. An under-barrel full-length ejector rod is fitted, consistent with the model’s design.
Sighting is straightforward, with a fixed setup that pairs a half-moon front blade and a simple rear notch. The birds-head grip wears black hard-rubber, checkered panels marked with the "M.F.A. Co." legend.
The left side of the barrel carries a rollmark reading "J.M. MARLIN, NEW-HAVEN, CT, U.S.A., Pat. July 1, 1873." Documented production spans circa 1875–1887, and the model is known for its ribbed round barrels and compact, five-shot .32 Rimfire configuration.