Lot 11: Marlin Deluxe Model 97 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured from 1897 to 1917. Lyman dovetail front sight with sporting type rear sight and tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line New Haven address/patent dates with "22 S-L & LR" flanked by arrows on the upper left flat at the breech. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a sight mount and marked "MARLIN SAFETY". Nicely figured checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with metal forend cap and a hard rubber factory buttplate.

Very good. The barrel and magazine retain 30% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina with some minor pitting. The receiver, hammer and lever retain traces of original case colors, otherwise faded to a silver-gray patina. The re-varnished wood is very good with some minor dings and scratches with a chip near the toe and a series of shallow gouges on the buttstock (right side). The buttplate has a couple missing chips near the toe. The forearm checkering has some wear, with the grip checkering remaining crisp overall. Mechanically fine.