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LOT 1042
Incredible Well-Documented Ulrich No. 5-4 Relief Panel
Scene Engraved, Gold and Platinum Inlaid, Antique
Special Order Marlin Deluxe Model 1893 Lever Action
Takedown Rifle in .38-55 W.C.F. as Pictured in “Steel
Canvas: The Art of American Arms” by R.L. Wilson - Serial
no. 134007, 38-55 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1896, this
is an incredible example of the late 19th century deluxe artistry
offered by the Marlin Firearms Company on special order. This
piece of functional art is unquestionably from the shop of
Master Engraver Conrad F. Ulrich Jr. who engraved most of the
highly embellished arms that left the Marlin factory between
1881 and 1910. Ulrich learned his craft under Colt’s Master
Engraver, Gustave Young, who, along with L.D. Nimschke, is
credited as developing and establishing that truly unique
American style of engraving that emerged in the 19th century
and carries on to this day in various forms. It is clear when
examining his works of art that Ulrich absorbed the teachings
of the master Gustave Young, eventually adding his own style
and flair, and going on to create unique and iconic pieces of
American art like this beautiful rifle. These Model 1893s were
based on designs by L.L. Hepburn. The Marlin Model 1893
was extremely robust and was capable of handling some of
the most desirable rifle cartridges of the day, and arguably
outclassed its closest competitor, the Winchester Model 1894,
in most categories. Given their rugged nature and immense
stopping power, these Model 1893s were highly valued in the
untamed corners of the American West, be they a standard
configuration utility model or a highly embellished masterpiece
such as this example, staking their claim as one of the
legendary firearms of the American frontier.
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