Lot 3: Marlin Firearms Co 1897-Rifle 22 S L L R

This is a very fine example of a seldom found factory engraved Marlin Model that war manufactured around the turn of the century (1900). The receiver is finely engraved with scroll patterns with a curly line border. In addition there is a round panel on the left side with a buck in a wooded scene. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line address/1878, '89, 90' and '92 patent dates, and the top of the round portion is marked "SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL" with the "SPE" portion of this barely visible due to a weak roll die, i.e. factory error. "MARLIN SAFETY" is marked on top of the receiver with a scallop border and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame. Folding front globe sight, the rear sight is absent with a filler block in the dovetail and the upper tang is equipped with a short range peep sight. Full length magazine, blue half octagon barrel, magazine tube and forend cap, with casehardened finish on the remaining parts. Mounted with a checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber Marlin buttplate.

Very fine. The barrel retains 95% of the original blue finish with the magazine retaining 75% original finish mixed with smooth gray patina. The receiver retains 60% original casehardened colors with a smooth silver gray patina on the balance. The lever is a smooth silver gray patina. The wood is fine with moderate wear to the forearm checkering and lighter wear to the checkering on the wrist, and scattered minor dents, dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.