The accompanying factory letter (copy) lists this shotgun with a 28 inch 12 gauge barrel numbered "46081" (barrel numbers on this model did not match receiver), Grade D and a second 26 inch Grade D barrel set in 12 gauge and numbered "7782" when shipped on November 20, 1902. The receiver is handsomely engraved with a No. 15 pattern: floral scrollwork on a punch dot background and elaborate game scenes depicting a stag battling three hunting dogs on the left side and wolf, rabbit and mountain lion amongst the scrollwork along with a running buck in a field scene on the right side. An engraved flying duck is featured on top of the receiver and on the trigger guard. Gold inlaid bands are on the rear and front of the receiver. The screw heads and trigger are plated in gold. The casehardened hammer has a light scroll engraving accented with gold inlay. The Damascus 28 inch barrel has a single bead sight, "46081" and "F" for full choke on the underside and the two-line address/patent dates marking stamped on top. The matching finished 26 inch 12 gauge barrel has a single bead sight, "7782" and "C" for cylinder choke, and matching forearm. Mounted on a fancy walnut grain forearm and pistol grip stock with fancy checkering and a serrated "Marlin" marked hard rubber buttplate. Comes with a period leather bound takedown case. Manufactured from 1898 to 1905, the Model 1898 was Marlin's first commercially sold shotgun, and Grade D was the finest type of repeating shotgun Marlin built. It is not often that we catalog Grade D Model 1898s, let alone examples with a factory documented second barrel set.

Very fine. The barrel retains 75% original Damascus pattern throughout. 75% original blue remains on the magazine tube and receiver. 50% of original gold plating remain on the trigger and screw heads. The engraving is crisp. The wood is fine with very slight chipping at the receiver, minor scratches and dings and scattered blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The second barrel set has traces of original blue finish faded to brown in the protected areas, otherwise a smooth gray patina and 70% of the Damascus, the magazine tube retains 60% original blue finish thinning to a gray and the fine forearm has minor handling evidence and crisp checkering overall. The case is very good with minor-moderate handling/storage marks and wear throughout. A attractive scarce work of art that will make a worthy addition to any Marlin or shotgun collection.