This is an example of a seldom encountered factory engraved Marlin Model that was manufactured in 1906. It is pictured and identified in William Brophy's "Marlin Firearms" on pages 238-39 where it is cited as factory embellished with No. 3 engraving and No. F checkering. The included copy of the Marlin serial number ledger for this rifle shows the record is blank, which may indicate the rifle was destined as a presentation or special order for an important person. Nevertheless, this Model 1897 has wonderful factory engraving. The casehardened receiver is decorated with Marlin's No. 3 engraving consisting of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, multiple borders, and two large game scene vignettes. The scene on the left side features a running whitetail buck being chased by a wolf. The scene on the right side features a standing whitetail buck. Matching scrollwork also appears on the forend cap. Sprays of light scrollwork decorate the breech of the barrel. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and folding tang peep sight. The special order 26 inch half octagon barrel is stamped with the two-line Marlin legend ahead of the rear sight. The deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature Marlin No. F checkering and blued steel S-type buttplate.

Extremely fine. The barrel and magazine retaining 90% plus original blue finish showing signs of cleaned pitting on the barrel. The buttplate retains 98% plus of the refinished blue finish. The receiver and hammer retains 75% plus original case colors. The lever retains 20% original blue finish. The revarnished wood is also very fine with some scattered handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive, documented, and rare factory game scene engraved Marlin deluxe Model 1897 rifle.