Manufactured c. 1906-1915, this is an example of a scarce, factory engraved Marlin Model 1897 rifle. 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." The engraving on this rifle is certainly factory and shows Marlin's No. 1 engraving pattern. The Marlin patterns, including the engraving on this rifle, were designed by Conrad Ulrich who was influenced by the 19th century masters L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young. Ulrich spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The richly engraved casehardened receiver features scroll, border, and a game panel scene. A circular game panel depicting a whitetail buck in woodland scene decorates the left side of the receiver. The top and bottom of the receiver are engraved to match with scroll and border patterns. The rifle is fitted with a Marble No. 2 beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight, and a peep sight on the upper tang. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and patent dates and the caliber marking is on the upper left flat at the breech. The serial number is on the bottom of the receiver and the model designation is marked on the upper tang. It is mounted with a checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate.

Very good, retains 40% of the original blue finish, primarily on the magazine tube, the barrel showing artificial browning, and 30% of the original case colors with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The refinished wood is fine with some mild handling wear on the forearm and some scattered light handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent.