Those of you who have taken the time to examine the listing of serial numbers and calibers for the Marlin 1881 tools will have noted that 45-70 caliber tools occupy both ends of that list. Here are two tools...#17 representing a very early production tool, and #7829 representing a late production example. In the top panel, the older tool is beneath the newer one...in the remainder of the frames...the older tool is seen on the right.
There are several interesting differences between these two tools. First, the manufacturer's marking on the sprue cutter is absent from the earlier tool. Second, the screw anchoring down the front edge of the sprue cutter is slotted on the newer tool, and smooth on the earlier one. Also, the earlier tool has no caliber marking while the later one is marked "45-70". Both tools have the serial number marked on each handle in similar locations, and the mold casting cavities are essentially identical.
