November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
A rather unusual so-called "Half Plate" Model features factory nickeled frame, lever, hammer, and forend cap. Standard features include full octagon barrel, full magazine, takedown, walnut stocks. Has a Savage Arms sporting rear sight and buttplate. Wood is very good, proud to metal, with a small chip at left wrist at tang, and top of comb at buttplate. Varnish is flaking. Fine action. Poor bore but could clean to a better grade. Retains about 70% original nickel on frame and lever. The Savage parts were probably used at a time when Marlin and Savage merged companies. According to the book on Marlin firearms by Brophy on page 126, there was a collaboration between Marlin and Savage beginning in 1895, which may explain the Savage parts. Tang is stamped "MARLIN MODEL 97" which first appeared in 1905. Interesting and scarce Model 1897 variation that would greatly benefit from some work on stock and some judicious cleaning of the bore.