GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
VERY RARE DELUXE ENGRAVED MARLIN MODEL 1881 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.MARLIN1881 DLX1035240-60Cal. 40-60. A previous consignor states that this rifle was owned & used by Floyd Marriott, a vigilante in the California gold fields in the 1880’s and 1890’s. He stated that Marriott was known to not have worn a hood during his vigilante activities and was later exiled to a foreign country in his old age, similar to what was done for Granville Stewart of Montana, also a famous vigilante. Model 1881 rifles are scarce to start out with, deluxe rifles are even more scarce and an engraved deluxe with extra length heavy bbl is most scarce. This fine rifle has an additional feature of the very rare 30” extra heavy bbl with magazine tube 2” shorter than the bbl, from the factory. It has a modified Lyman hunting front sight, missing the ivory bead and a Winchester “1876” marked ladder rear sight. Mounted with very highly figured, early style checkered European walnut with straight stock & semi-crescent, smooth steel buttplate. Receiver is very nicely engraved, by Conrad Ulrich with the vignette of a running elk on left side, a grizzly bear on right side and a tiny elk head on the top of bolt. Vignettes are all surrounded by very well executed foliate arabesque patterns with shaded background. This rifle will letter in caliber 40-60 with 30” oct bbl, shipped March 31, 1885. CONDITION: About fine. No orig finish remains being a light gray/brown patina over all metal surfaces with scattered spots of light surface discoloration. Engraving is sharp & clear with good, fine detail remaining. Stock has a chip out of comb with a long scratch over the forearm with other light to moderate nicks & scratches showing moderate to heavy wear. Forearm is a smooth, hand worn patina while the buttstock retains 75-80% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with some frosting in grooves. 49450-22 JR (8,000-10,000)