Manufactured from only 1895 to 1899, the Model 1895 is easily identified by the hole through the top of the bolt through which the firing pin is exposed and is the forerunner of the Model 1899. This example has a high grade factory engraving on the receiver featuring scrollwork on a punch dot background and zig-zag line borders on all sides along with a game scene inside an oval panel on the left side. Light scrollwork adorns the exposed barrel flats at the breech. The work appears to be by John or Conrad Ulrich, the factory engravers for Marlin at this time, and Marlin produced the early 1895s. For a similar engraving see David Royal's "A Collector's Guide to the Savage 99 Rifle" on page 19. The rifle is equipped with combination Beach front, elevation adjustable rear and folding tang peep sights. The barrel is numbered to the gun. The nicely figured walnut forearm and straight grip stock have fancy checkering and accents of simple incised line and scrolls. The buttstock has a raised cheekpiece. The accompanying factory letter states the factory records lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .303 Savage caliber when accepted from the factory on February 9, 1897, and it was shipped on January 27, 1898 to the "New York Exposition." Also includes a copy of the factory record. The gun was allegedly built explicitly for the "1898 New York exhibition" (presumably referencing the New York exhibit at the Exposition Universelle of 1898 held in Paris where Savage "exhibited all grades of Savage rifles especially finely finished samples, [and] exhibition actions") and presented to future U.S. President Calvin Coolidge at that time. Nevertheless, this rifle represents the finest Savage craftsmanship from the period.

Very fine. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish just beginning to show thinning. The remaining surfaces retain 40% original case colors. The left side of the barrel has several small notches towards the breech. The engraving is crisp. The wood is fine with a missing chip at the toe, hairline crack and chipping near the upper tang, some minor handling evidence and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A wonderful example of firearms craftsmanship near the turn of the century. A must have for any serious Savage collector.