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This particular rifle is pictured on p. 225 of “Steel Canvas: The Art
of American Arms” by R.L. Wilson exhibits the stunning factory pattern
No. 5-4 engraving which features extensive floral scroll and border engraving
with beaded backgrounds on the receiver including the exposed right side of the
breech block. A slightly different version of this pattern is shown as part of a Marlin
catalog featured on p. 532 of “Marlin Firearms” by William Brophy. The floral scrollwork
continues onto the rear quarter of the barrel flats at the breech, where it has beaded
backgrounds matching the receiver, a feature rarely seen on Marlin barrel engraving.
The buttplate tang also exhibits extensive scrollwork with beaded backgrounds.
The scrollwork is highlighted with vines and geometric patterns of inlaid gold which
appear on the receiver, lever, hammer, buttplate tang, and takedown collar, while
the barrel has bands and vines of inlaid platinum at the breech. The left side of the
receiver has a stunning, relief engraved panel scene featuring a red stag, based on the
famous painting “Monarch of the Glen” by Sir Edwin Landseer, which is surrounded by
an elaborately inlaid gold border. The right side of the receiver features another gold
bordered panel scene showing a buck and doe in a forest. The top flat of the barrel
has the standard two-line address and patent dates, while the caliber marking is at the
breech. The top of the receiver has the Marlin Safety marking and the serial number
is on the bottom. The matching serial number is repeated on the left side of the
upper tang, in the stock inlet, and inside the buttplate. The upper tang has the model
marking. It is fitted with a King beaded blade “reflector” front sight, a two-leaf folding
rear sight, and a peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a very
finely figured forearm and pistol grip stock which both exhibit a highly deluxe, non-
cataloged checkering pattern featuring fleur-de-lis patterns and non-checkered donut
shapes within the checkered grip panels (a noted feature of checkering pattern “No.
E”), and the buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish, 50% of the
original case colors, remaining vivid in sheltered areas, 60% of the original nitre blue
on the loading gate, and essentially all of the gold and platinum inlay with the balance
mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of very light surface freckling,
and very crisp engraving. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings/
scratches, a few minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering, almost all the
original varnish, and incredible figure overall. Mechanically excellent. The rifle easily
earns a place among the very best of Conrad Ulrich and Marlin’s masterpieces, and
undoubtedly deserves a place in the finest collections of 19th century
American firearms.
Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection.
Estimate: 60,000 - 90,000
As pictured & described in Steel Canvas:
The Art of American Arms by Wilson
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