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LOT 3018
Rare Documented Factory Game Scene Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1897 Lever Action Rifle as
Pictured in Marlin Firearms - Serial no. 354062, 22 RF cal., 26 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
This is an example of a seldom encountered factory engraved Marlin Model that was manufactured in 1906. It is pictured and
identified in William Brophy’s “Marlin Firearms” on pages 238-39 where it is cited as factory embellished with No. 3 engraving and
No. F checkering. The included copy of the Marlin serial number ledger for this rifle shows the record is blank, which may indicate the rifle was destined as a presentation or special order for an important person. Nevertheless, this Model 1897 has
wonderful factory engraving. The casehardened receiver is decorated with Marlin’s No. 3 engraving consisting of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, multiple borders, and two large game scene
vignettes. The scene on the left side features a running whitetail buck being chased by a wolf. The scene on the right side features a standing whitetail buck. Matching scrollwork also appears on the forend cap. Sprays of light scrollwork decorate the breech of the barrel. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and folding tang peep sight. The special order 26 inch half octagon barrel is stamped with the two-line Marlin legend ahead of the rear sight. The deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature Marlin No. F checkering and blued steel S-type buttplate.
CONDITION: Extremely fine. The barrel and magazine retaining 90% plus original blue finish showing signs
of cleaned pitting on the barrel. The buttplate retains 98% plus of the refinished blue finish. The receiver and hammer retains 75% plus original case colors. The lever retains 20% original blue finish. The revarnished wood is also very fine with some scattered handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive, documented, and rare factory game scene engraved Marlin deluxe Model 1897 rifle.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
INCLUDED COPY OF THE MARLIN SERIAL NUMBER LEDGER FOR THIS RIFLE SHOWS THE RECORD IS BLANK, WHICH MAY INDICATE THE RIFLE WAS DESTINED AS A PRESENTATION OR SPECIAL ORDER FOR AN IMPORTANT PERSON
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN MARLIN FIREARMS BY BROPHY
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