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  • Auction Catalog #79
  • Lot #3155
Lot #3154
Lot #3156

Lot 3155: Two Engraved Marling Spur Trigger Revovlers with DeGress Grips

Collector's Lot of Two Factory Engraved Marling Spur Trigger Revolvers with Desirable DeGress Patent Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 7, 2020

Lot 3155: Two Engraved Marling Spur Trigger Revovlers with DeGress Grips

Collector's Lot of Two Factory Engraved Marling Spur Trigger Revolvers with Desirable DeGress Patent Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: June 7, 2020

Estimated Price: $2,500 - $3,750
Price Realized:
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A) Marlin XXX Standard 1872 Spur Trigger Pocket Revolver

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co
Model: XXX Standard 1872
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 32 RF
Barrel: 3 inch solid rib
Finish: nickel
Grip: copper
Stock:
Item Views: 1810
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 75
Class: Antique
Description:

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 in 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 playing a tambourine 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 in 1874. 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."

Rating Definition:

Very fine. The revolver retains 75% original nickel finish with scattered areas of smooth dark patina. The grips retain 85% of the silver plating with some high point wear. There is some play in the barrel hinge. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.



B) Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 Spur Trigger Revolver

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co
Model: No.32 Standard 1875
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 32 RF
Barrel: 3 inch solid rib
Finish: nickel
Grip: copper
Stock:
Item Views: 1810
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 75
Class: Antique
Description:

Approximately 19,500 No. 32 Standard 1875 revolvers were manufactured by Marlin between 1875 to 1887. These revolvers can fire both .32 long and .32 short rimfire cartridges. The rib is marked with the one line model designation, "No 32 STANDARD 1875" and the one line New Haven address/patent marking is on the left barrel side. It has standard blade front and frame notch sights and a five-round fluted cylinder. Factory scroll, punch dot, and geometric engraving covers nearly 90% of the metal surfaces, and it is fitted with "Lady Pattern" gold plated copper DeGress grips with relief engraving of a woman playing a tambourine on the right grip, and leafy scroll designs on the left side with the patent information in the center.

Rating Definition:

Fine. The revolver retains 70% original nickel finish with the cylinder and shell extractor having a smooth dark brown patina. There is also some minor muzzle and edge wear. The grips retain 30% gold plating concentrated in protected areas. The balance of the grips have an aged patina. There is some play in the cylinder, otherwise the action functions well. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. A must have for any Marlin collection.



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