GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE FACTORY ENGRAVED MARLIN 97 LEVER ACTION. MARLIN 1897 442282 22 MODERN; C&R Cal. 22L. 24" full oct bbl with full tube magazine. Case colored receiver artfully engraved in the No. 1 pattern with a vignette of a white-tail deer standing amongst a small forest scene with an exterior 2-line border around the vignette with additional foliate and small scrolls continue to fill the balance of the receiver with a very attractive 2-line scroll encased border. Right sight of receiver has a central plane of engraving consisting of one rather large foliate and scroll with dot punch background in center with a chisel-cut 2-line border around the perimeter of the receiver. The bolt nicely engraved in a vine embellishment. Top of receiver is dual chase line engraved with small finials at fore and aft position of receiver. Bottom of receiver has one single embellishment just under SN of a sunburst done in scroll and vine. Lever is case color and is fitted nicely with a correct Marbles tang sight. With hard rubber buttplate. Stocks are of heavily marbled select walnut with the traditional 1897 S pattern grip and checkered in their single diamond pattern. CONDITION: A very fine overall rifle, with skillfully executed engraving on the case colored receiver with only minor losses of color at the top and bottom edges of receiver sides. The lever has somewhat silvered but still retains approximately 30% of its case coloring. Upper and lower tang still retain most case colors. Bbl blue finish has turned quite plum with finish loss on high points of oct bbl. Magazine tube is excellent with most all finish remaining. Forend cap has lost most of its blue finish and is now somewhat silver. Wood stocks are very fine with numerous small nicks and small bruising, however, most orig factory varnish remains. Checkering is somewhat worn on forearm from actual use. 50506-62 TDW (5,000-8,000)