Page 42 - 4094-BOOK1

40
LOT 28
Stunning Special Order Factory Panel Scene Exhibition Engraved, Gold/
Platinum Inlaid, and Gold Trimmed Marlin Deluxe Model 1891 Lever
Action Rifle - Serial no. 85681, 32 cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold/platinum
finish, highly figured checkered deluxe walnut stock. Marlin Model 1891 lever
action rifles are rarely encountered as factory engraved, especially with elaborate
relief engraved game panel scenes like the ones featured on this example. And
if the exhibition grade engraving was not enough, the rifle is in high condition
and has a two-tone blue and gold plated finish that places the rifle in a league of
its own. This combination of rare special order features along with its standout
condition makes for a highly sought after masterpiece of Marlin artistry of the
late 19th century. The rifle was manufactured in 1893. Conrad Ulrich did most of
the engraving for Marlin circa 1881 to 1910, and the Marlin engraving patterns
are based on Ulrich’s designs. Ulrich was influenced by the 19th century masters
L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young, and spent a lifetime embellishing some of
the finest high art firearms of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The
gold plated receiver is highly embellished with fine scrollwork on a stippled
background of a higher quality than that used on more commonly seen Marlin
patterns and semi-relief large and elaborate game scenes in oval panels that
are reserved for only the highest quality of special order engraving. These panel
scenes are not standard factory patterns, and likely represent one-of-a-kind
Marlin artistry. A pair of bighorn sheep in a mountain scene decorate the left side
of the receiver, while a setter on point and a raccoon peering from behind a tree
make up the humorous woodland scene on the right side. The well-executed
engraving is well-deserving of the title “exhibition quality.” The gold finish adds to
its exclusivity and desirability. Additional scrollwork appears on the forend cap,
rear of the barrel, and lever. Bands of gold and platinum are inlaid on the barrel at
the breech. Per Marlin expert William Brophy, gold and platinum inlays, frequently
encountered as borders around engravings and bands around the barrel, are
some of the rarest of Marlin special order features found today. The rifle is fitted
with a German silver blade front sight, Lyman folding two leaf rear sight, and
folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat has the two-line Marlin legend ending
with the 1892 patent date. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”.
The barrel and full length magazine are blue. The receiver, hammer, trigger, and
forend cap are plated in gold. The lever is casehardened. The highly figured
deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory No. D checking
consisting of a diamond checkered pattern. A very small green jewel is placed
in the center of each diamond on the pistol grip. The stock is fitted with a Marlin
hard rubber buttplate. This is with out a doubt in the top 1% of factory engraved
Marlin 1891s, an elite investment class rifle from the golden age of American gun
making.