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LOT 3055
Outstanding Grade D Panel Scene Relief Engraved and
Inscribed Marlin Model 30 Slide Action Shotgun - Serial
no. 131914, 16 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, highly
figured deluxe walnut stock. Manufactured from 1911 to 1917.
Offered here is a Model 30 in grade D configuration, which was
Marlin’s “finest repeating shotgun built in this size.” The receiver
is richly engraved with floral scrollwork and finely detailed oval
panel game scenes. Four grouse are featured on the left side of
the receiver. A single woodcock is featured on the right side of
the receiver. A pair of grouse in flight is featured on the bolt. The
barrel has a single bead sight and is stamped with the two-line
address/patent dates on the left side. The upper tang is marked
“Marlin MODEL No. 30.” The trigger guard is inscribed “F.L. COE/
NEW HAVEN.” At the time of this writing, F.L. Coe remained
unidentified but period sources identified a F. L. Coe as a 1906
Yale graduate, a member of the Connecticut Society of Civil
Engineers, and a lyricist credited with writing the words to the
1912 song “When the Silvery Moon is Shining from Above that’s
the Time to Hug and Spoon.” The screw heads and the trigger
are plated in gold. The remaining surfaces are blued. The highly
figured walnut round forearm and pistol grip stock feature fine
fancy checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a serrated Marlin
buttplate. Length of pull is 13 1/2 inches.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original blue finish
with thinning and areas of smooth-brown patina concentrated
on the bottom of the magazine tube and frame. The engraving
is crisp. 60% original gold remains on the screws and trigger. The
wood is fine showing a number of minor scratches and some
wear along the top of the checkering. A chip is absent from the
buttplate at the toe. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The John Fox Collecton, Private Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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