This is a very fine 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 line border. In addition, there is a round panel on the left side with a buck in a wooded scene. The half octagon barrel is fitted with dovetail beaded Lyman blade and elevation adjustable sights and is marked with the legend that ends with the 1892 patent date marking. The upper tang is marked "MODEL/1897" and has a folding peep sight. The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY." The highly figured walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature multi-point checkering. The buttstock has a hard rubber factory buttplate.

Extremely fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish thinning to a brown. 90% plus original case colors remain on the hammer, frame and lever. The wood is fine with a period horn filled repair visible near the toe, minor dings and scratches and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Truly a very fine example of a rarely encountered factory engraved Model 1897 which will be a welcome addition to any Marlin or lever action collection.