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The engraving consists of extensive scrollwork and
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK MARLIN FIREARMS BY BROPHY
scroll borders along with finely detailed game scene vignettes. The left side of the receiver features two whitetail bucks in an oval panel, and the right side features a whitetail buck in a circular panel. The breech of the barrel has flourishes of scrollwork. Additional scrollwork is featured on the forend cap. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, a fixed notched rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat has the standard two- line Marlin legend ahead of the rear sight and the inscription “W.L. Pierce. N.Y.” near the breech. “MARLIN SAFETY” is marked on top of the receiver. The highly figured walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature multi-point checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 24 inch barrel in .22 caliber as well as stating the rifle was shipped on September 16, 1891. Although the high end finishes are not confirmed by the factory letter, the engraving and deluxe checkered pistol grip stock are definitely factory. Marlin records are notoriously incomplete. As noted Marlin expert William Brophy explained, “Unfortunately, the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not.” CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and magazine retain 95% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The receiver retains 60% original case colors. The hammer and lever retain 40% original case colors. Patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate and forend cap. The wood is also very fine with minor dings and scratches, most of the original varnish remaining, and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An attractive example of a scarce factory engraved Marlin
Model 1891 rifle as documented in William Brophy’s “Marlin Firearms.”
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000
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