Manufactured in 1894, this engraved, deluxe Model 1891 is a highly sought after rarity in Marlin collecting. Only a few early factory engraved Model 1891s are known to exist. The Marlin patterns, including the engraving on this rifle, were designed by Ulrich who was influenced by the 19th century masters L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young. Conrad Ulrich spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The engraved motif on the special order casehardened receiver is very similar to Marlin's No. 2 pattern as illustrated in Brophy's "Marlin Firearms" on page 534. The engraving consists of extensive scrollwork and scroll borders along with finely detailed game scene vignettes. The left side of the receiver features a whitetail buck 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 combination front sight, an elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat has the standard two-line Marlin address and patent dates. "MARLIN SAFETY" is marked on top of the receiver. The nicely figured walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature the Marlin No. A checkering pattern, and the buttstock has a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the caliber, 24 inch octagon barrel, pistol grip stock, and shipment on 15 August 1894. 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."

Very fine, retains 90% plus of the refinished blue finish and 90% plus of the vibrant professionally restored case colors with some slight thinning on the magazine, the balance of the receiver a smooth grey patina, and crisp engraving overall. The wood is very fine with some scattered light handling marks, a few minor chips at the base of the pistol grip, and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An opportunity to add a scarce, factory engraved, early production Marlin Model 1891 rifle to your collection!