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LOT 3072
Spectacular Factory Engraved, Inscribed, Gold Trim Marlin Deluxe Model 1893 Takedown Lever Action Rifle as Pictured in William Brophy’s Marlin Firearms - Serial no. 288311, 32-40 cal., 26 inch part octagon bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Offered here is a wonderful, high condition and rare factory engraved Marlin Model 1893 masterpiece that was manufactured in 1903. This Model 1893 is a rarity in Marlin collecting as it is not only factory engraved and inscribed, but it also features a factory two-tone finish of blue and gold that give a very striking contrast. From 1881 to 1910, renowned master engraver Conrad F. Ulrich, Jr. did most of the engraving for Marlin. The quality of the embellishment certainly reaches Ulrich’s standards. He was, after all, the person who established Marlin’s patterns. The fine engraving on the receiver features a large oval panel vignette depicting a running buck and dog on the left and a smaller circular panel depicting a standing buck on the right. Each panel is surrounded by classic Ulrich scrollwork and bordering. The top of the receiver has the standard “MARLIN SAFETY” marking. Additional engraved flourishes decorate the forend cap, takedown collar and the special order 26 inch part octagon barrel at the breech. The rifle is documented in William Brophy’s “Marlin Firearms” on page 198 where a picture of the inscription on the underside of the frame is shown. This inscription reads, “Thos. S. Jones.” Thomas S. Jones (1840-1913) was an esteemed Oneida County, New York, district attorney as well as a very successful criminal and civil attorney. His peers considered Jones “one of the ablest and most skillful cross-examiners among the attorneys of [New York] state. His manner was quiet and earnest, yet he was thinking deeply all the time. His arguments were not speculative nor fine spun theories, but always appealed to the common sense of a jury.