Very few of the 26,000 XXX Standard 1872 revolvers manufactured by Marlin between the early 1870s and late 1880s have both extensive factory engraving and scarce DeGress silver plated copper grips. This round ribbed barrel and short fluted cylinder variation was only manufactured from 1873 to 1876, and DeGress patented his technique in April of 1874, leaving less than two years of production of these revolvers as candidates for these attractive grips. This example has the standard markings and features, scrollwork and geometric patterns on most of the metal surfaces and the silver plated copper "Lady Pattern" DeGress grips with a relief engraved woman on the right panel and leaf and scroll on the left side with the patent information in the center. Francis DeGress of Bloomfield, New Jersey, patented his method for molded copper "pistol handles" treated with acid and then gilded with silver. Examples of his molded grips have been seen on revolvers of multiple manufacturers and are highly sought out by collectors. Marlin expert and author William Brophy wrote, "the DeGress grips are desirable and a pistol fitted with them belongs in every serious Marlin collector's collection."

Fine. The barrel and cylinder retain 40% original nickel plating with the balance a smooth gray patina. The frame retains 40% plus original silver plating. The grips are excellent with 95% original silver plating remaining. Mechanically excellent.