Manufactured after 1906, this Model 1897 is factory embellished with the Marlin No. 5 engraving, one of Marlin's most sought after factory patterns. The receiver is decorated with broad scrollwork on a punch dot background along with highly detailed game scenes. The “Monarch of the Dell” (based on the painting "Monarch of the Glen" by Landseer), a typical sign of Marlin’s best work, takes center stage on the left side. On the right side of the receiver is a scene depicting a grizzly bear proudly standing over his fresh kill. Conrad Ulrich engraved most of the work for Marlin c. 1881 to 1910 while his son Alden George engraved for Marlin c.1905 to 1919. The Marlin patterns were established by Conrad Ulrich, and the No. 5 is one of the most spectacular of all of the standard patterns he designed for Marlin. Additional engraved flourishes appear on the forend cap, exposed barrel flats at the breech, lever and buttplate. The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight, folding two leaf Lyman rear sight, and folding tang peep sight. The top of the receiver is factory drilled and tapped for sight mounting. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Marlin address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight on the special order extra length 28 inch octagonal barrel. The select deluxe walnut forearm and matching number pistol grip stock feature factory "F" checkering. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 70% original blue finish with a couple cleaned spots turned to brown. The receiver has faded to a gray. The engraving is crisp. The hammer retains 50% original case colors and the lever retains traces of original case colors, otherwise faded to gray. The wood is also fine with minor dings and scratches and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A finely detailed factory engraved Marlin that will enhance any Marlin or lever action collection.