Manufactured in 1897 and featuring a Marlin factory engraving on the casehardened receiver made up of floral scrollwork on punch dot backgrounds, scroll, heart and zig-zag line borders and a standing buck game scene in a circular panel on the left side. Famed master engraver Conrad Ulrich engraved most of the work for Marlin c. 1881 to 1910. The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a Lyman tang peep sight. The top barrel flat has the two-line address/patent dates marking and "25-20 M". The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY." The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured select walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber Marlin shotgun buttplate. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Fine. The barrel and magazine retain 80% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 85% bright original blue remains on the forend cap. The receiver and takedown collar retain 40% original case colors. The engraving is crisp. 60% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. 60% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is also very fine with minor handling marks, a 1 inch scratch on the right wrist and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.