Manufactured in 1896. The rifle is decorated with highly unusual, possibly one-of-a-kind factory engraving. The embellishment does not correspond to any of the standard factory patterns established by noted Master Engraver Conrad Friedrich Ulrich, Jr., who was the engraver for Marlin and did a majority of the engraving for the company from 1881 until 1910 when he left for Winchester. Ulrich spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the period. This Model 1895 certainly features an exhibition quality engraving that exemplifies Marlin artistry in the late 19th century. It is an unpublished work of artistry well deserving of the finest firearms collection, and to quote firearms historian R.L. Wilson, stands as an example of the "American tradition of excellence in gunmaking." The receiver is engraved with a sporadic grape leaf pattern on an extensive large punch dot background that extends to the bolt. The pattern greatly differs from the leaf and berry embellishment commonly used on factory Grade No. 10 style engraving. Three game scenes are richly engraved on the receiver as well as one scene on the bolt. These wonderful, highly detailed game scenes are the following: The left side depicts a grizzly bear confronting a snake protruding from a grape vine. The right side features a stag standing alert in an open field and stalked by a mountain lion perched on a tree limb on the bolt. The underside features a menacing bear's head in a circular panel. Flourishes of the grape leaf pattern extend to the forend cap, takedown collar, hammer, lever, and upper tang. The breech of the barrel has three inlaid bands of alternating platinum and gold, inlaid gold line border around the "45-90" caliber marking, and sprays of engraved light scrollwork. The upper left barrel flat is script engraved "Special Steel" under the rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Marlin address/patent dates marking. The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY." The upper tang is marked "MODEL/1895" and is factory drilled and tapped for sight mounting. The rifle is fitted with a special order half magazine. The barrel and magazine tube are blued, and the remaining surfaces are casehardened. The highly figured deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory "B" pattern multi-point checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a checkered hard rubber Marlin buttplate.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 85% plus original blue finish thinning to brown on the balance. The remaining surfaces retain 60% original case colors with the most vivid colors in the sheltered areas. The engraving is crisp. The wood is very fine with dings and scratches and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A true masterpiece of Marlin high art that will make a grand statement to any lever action or firearms art collection.