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LOT 1052
Exceptional Factory Engraved Antique Marlin Deluxe Model 1897 Lever Action .22 Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 156576, 22 RF cal., 24 inch
part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, deluxe walnut stock. Offered here is a stellar example of a seldom found factory engraved Marlin Model 1897 rifle. The accompanying factory letter states the early production rifle was shipped on November 1, 1898 and confirms the 24 inch half octagon barrel in .22 caliber and pistol grip stock. Marlin records are notoriously incomplete, as noted Marlin expert William Brophy explained, “Unfortunately, the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not.”The engraving is certainly factory. The Marlin patterns, including the engraving on this rifle, were designed by Conrad Ulrich who was influenced by the 19th century masters L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young. Ulrich spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The richly engraved casehardened receiver features scroll, border, and game panel scene. A circular game panel depicting a whitetail buck in woodland scene decorates the left side of the receiver. The top and bottom of the receiver are engraved to match with scroll and border patterns. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat carries the two-line Marlin legend ahead of the rear sight. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY.” The upper tang is marked “MODEL/1897.” The nicely figured deluxe forearm and pistol grip stock are checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber factory buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel, magazine tube, and forend cap retain 95% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance . The receiver retains 85% plus vivid original case colors. 30% original case colors remain on the lever, and 90% original case colors remain on the hammer. The wood is also excellent with minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A high condition example of a rarely seen factory engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1897 rifle that will be a welcomed addition to any lever action collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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