Page 21 - Auction84-Book3

In addition to mechanical alterations and creating new configurations, the Freunds also designed and patented new sights. The rear sight on this rifle is marked “F.W. FREUND/PATENTED.” The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line legend and “38-W.”“MARLIN SAFETY” is marked on top of the receiver. The highly figured deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature multi-point checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a casehardened crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 24 inch octagon barrel in .38 caliber and pistol grip stock. The factory letter also states the rifle was shipped on February 9, 1893. Although not confirmed by the factory letter, the engraving and deluxe checkered pistol grip stock are definitely factory. As noted Marlin expert William Brophy explained, “Unfortunately, the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not.” Factory engraved Model 1889s are rare, with high condition examples like this one being even rarer.
CONDITION: Excellent plus. 95% original blue finish remains on the barrel and magazine. 80% original blue finish remains on the forend cap. 98% vivid original case colors remain on the receiver. 85% original case colors remain on the buttplate and hammer. The engraving is crisp. 20% original blue finish remains on the loading gate. The wood is also excellent with some minor handling marks, crisp checkering overall and nearly all original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A rare
and desirable factory engraved Deluxe Marlin Model 1889 with the added bonus
of having a Freund sight that will be added value to any lever action or high art firearms collection.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000
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