Marlin Model 1891 lever action rifles are rarely encountered as factory engraved, especially with elaborate relief engraved game panel scenes like the ones featured on this example. And if the exhibition grade engraving was not enough, the rifle is in high condition and has a two-tone blue and gold plated finish that places the rifle in a league of its own. This combination of rare special order features along with its standout condition makes for a highly sought after masterpiece of Marlin artistry of the late 19th century. The rifle was manufactured in 1893. Conrad Ulrich did most of the engraving for Marlin circa 1881 to 1910, and the Marlin engraving patterns are based on Ulrich's designs. Ulrich was influenced by the 19th century masters L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young, and spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The gold plated receiver is highly embellished with fine scrollwork on a stippled background of a higher quality than that used on more commonly seen Marlin patterns and semi-relief large and elaborate game scenes in oval panels that are reserved for only the highest quality of special order engraving. These panel scenes are not standard factory patterns, and likely represent one-of-a-kind Marlin artistry. A pair of bighorn sheep in a mountain scene decorate the left side of the receiver, while a setter on point and a raccoon peering from behind a tree make up the humorous woodland scene on the right side. The well-executed engraving is well-deserving of the title "exhibition quality." The gold finish adds to its exclusivity and desirability. Additional scrollwork appears on the forend cap, rear of the barrel, and lever. Bands of gold and platinum are inlaid on the barrel at the breech. Per Marlin expert William Brophy, gold and platinum inlays, frequently encountered as borders around engravings and bands around the barrel, are some of the rarest of Marlin special order features found today. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, Lyman folding two leaf rear sight, and folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat has the two-line Marlin legend ending with the 1892 patent date. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The barrel and full length magazine are blue. The receiver, hammer, trigger, and forend cap are plated in gold. The lever is casehardened. The highly figured deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory No. D checking consisting of a diamond checkered pattern. A very small green jewel is placed in the center of each diamond on the pistol grip. The stock is fitted with a Marlin hard rubber buttplate. This is with out a doubt in the top 1% of factory engraved Marlin 1891s, an elite investment class rifle from the golden age of American gun making.

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 97% plus original blue finish. The receiver, hammer, and forend cap retain 90% plus original gold plating. 60% original case colors remain on the lever. The engraving is crisp. The wood is also excellent with some scattered handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A fabulous factory game scene engraved, gold trimmed Marlin Deluxe Model 1891 rifle that is well-deserving of a place in the finest collection.