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  • /Lot 81

Lot 81:Marlin Firearms Co 1897-Rifle 22 SLLR

December 8th, 2013|Rock Island, IL
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  • /Lot 81

Lot 81:Marlin Firearms Co 1897-Rifle 22 SLLR

December 8th, 2013|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$15,000 - $22,500
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Factory Engraved Gold Washed Deluxe Marlin Model 1897 Lever Action Rifle

This is a unique example of a seldom found factory engraved Marlin Model that was manufactured in 1900. The receiver is finely engraved with scroll patterns with a curly and wavy line border. In addition there is a round panel on the left side with a buck in a wooded scene. A similar type of engraving featured on a Model 1897 is pictured and described as a No. 1 engraving in William Brophy's book MARLIN FIREARMS on pages 531 and 534. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line "THE MARLIN FIREARMS CORPORATION/NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED". The bottom line is flanked by outward pointing arrows. The upper left rear flat is marked "22 S-L- L-R" flanked by outward pointing arrows and the upper right rear flat is marked with "JM" in an oval. The top of the receiver is engraved "MARLIN SAFETY" with a wavy line border on three sides. The serial number appears on the bottom of the receiver. The barrel is equipped with a dovetail ivory beaded front blade sight and an adjustable rear sporting sight. The upper tang is fitted with a short range Lyman #1 peep sight. Full length magazine tube, all gold washed finish except for blue sights and mounted with a deluxe checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Information provided by the consignor states that the rifle was shipped from the warehouse on January 15, 1900 with a 24 inch 22 SLLR octagon barrel, full magazine, rifle buttplate, deluxe pistol grip stock and forearm with factory "A" checkering, factory #1 scroll engraved receiver with a deer on the left side with a full nickel finish. The gun was returned to the factory in 1922 and fitted with the Marlins Firearms Corporation barrel and new Model 39 coil hammer spring, the latter being first available in 1922. The Marlin firearms Corporation was in existence from 1921 to 1924. The gold wash finish was done when the barrel was replaced. An accompanying Cody Firearms Records Office letter verifies the rifle configuration, caliber, 24 inch octagon barrel, pistol grip stock and shipment on January 15, 1900. Corporation Marlins don't show up every day. Of the few Corporation Marlin's produced, between 1921 and 1924, to be engraved and gold washed is extremely rare and unique. Provenance: Len Guldman Collection, Denver, Colorado.

ConditionFine as factory replated/rebarreled (see above). The rifle retains much of the gold wash finish in protected areas with the original nickel finish visible on the balance. There are a few minor dings on the barrel. The wood is also fine with a small area of gouging on the stock near the toe on the left side, a series of small dents on the dings on the right side, some minor dents and dings on the forearm and overall crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.
Details
ManufacturerMarlin Firearms Co
Model1897-Rifle
TypeRifle
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Long Gun
Caliber / Gauge22 SLLR
Barrel24 inch octagon
Finishgold
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views3985
Catalog page21
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