Page 52 - Auction84-Book3

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LOT 3050
Outstanding Factory Engraved
Marlin Deluxe Model 97 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. A383, 22 S L LR cal., 24
inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This high condition Marlin Model 97
features a wonderful factory engraving. The casehardened receiver is decorated with Marlin factory No. 2 engraving pattern consisting of scrollwork, punch dot backgrounds, zig-zag line borders and game panel scenes. These game scenes depict a stag on an
outcropping. Additional light scrollwork appears on the forend cap, exposed barrel flat at the breech. The patterns are based on engravings created
by Conrad Ulrich who served as Marlin’s factory engraver from c. 1881 to 1910 before moving to work for Winchester. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail
Lyman blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line Marlin address/patent legend ahead of the rear sight and
the caliber marking on the upper left flat at the breech. The underside of the receiver has the serial number. The upper tang is marked “Marlin/MODEL ‘97,”
which was adopted in 1905 per Brophy. The nicely figured forearm and straight grip stock are checkered, and the buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel and magazine retain 90% plus original blue finish with some dark pitting on the left side of the barrel and scratches on the
right. 95% original blue finish remains on the buttplate. 98% plus fiery original case colors remain on the receiver. The lever has faded to a gray. The wood is
also excellent with limited handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive factory engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 97 Rifle for your growing lever action or high art firearms collection.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000