According the Regnier of the Marlin Collector's Association: You indeed have an early Model 1893. It was shipped from the factory in New Haven, Ct. in May of 1893, 3 months prior to the August 1, 1893 patent date on later Model 1893's and other models. Your gun origially was a .32-40 caliber gun with a 26 inch octagon barrel and full magazine.
Since then, somebody has shortened the barrel and magazine, but she is tsill in 32-40.
Since then, somebody has shortened the barrel and magazine, but she is tsill in 32-40.