Page 59 - 4095-BOOK2

This particular example shows one of Ulrich’s early factory engraving patterns,
showing a buck panel scene on the left of the receiver and a doe scene on the right. Both
scenes have a simple gadrooned border and are surrounded by expertly executed, yet simple incised
scrollwork, with no distinctive background. There are small flourishes of floral scroll on top of the receiver
ring, the bottom of the receiver, on the upper tang, and on top of the breech block. These more simple
factory engraving patterns can be viewed as Ulrich developing his truly unique style in his early years at
Marlin. This is a very scarce factory lightweight configuration rifle with the narrower front forearm flange on
the receiver. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates, while the
caliber marking is at the breech. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver, left side of the
upper and lower tang, front face of the buttstock, and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight,
elevation adjustable “Rocky Mountain” notch rear sight, and a peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a
very nicely figured, multi-point checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a smooth steel crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish 30% of the age-muted original case colors, and 75% of the
original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and the engraving
remaining very crisp. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, mostly crisp checkering, and
retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. This is an attractive example of an Ulrich attributed, factory
engraved, deluxe Marlin Model 1881 rifle!
Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection.
Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000
57