GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
HISTORIC 1892 MARLIN RIFLE FROM THOMAS PRINGLE, SHARPSHOOTER WITH BUFFALO BILL WILD WEST SHOW.MARLIN9212327522 CALCal. 22. 24" half Rnd half Oct bbl. Blue and case color finish. Deluxe highly figured piano varnish checkered pistol grip stocks. Number 3 pattern engraved receiver and chamber. Ulrich style border with vignette of squirrel on left side of receiver surrounded by fern like scrolls with a dot punch background. Although not listed in letter, engraving is most definitely factory work. Bolt is line engraved with left receiver panel engraved in same fern like tight scrolls with traditional Ulrich style border. Receiver tang,forend cap and receiver bridge all engraved with matching scrolls line border accents. Bbl has 2 line Marlin address rolled in front of rear sight. Front sight is a fine blade. Rear sight is a unique pattern rearward tilted fixed style with a fine notch. Barrel is script engraved forward of address "Compliments of". No cal marking on Bbl. Receiver tang marked MODEL 1892 and serial number on bottom of receiver at balance point. Piano finished stocks with Marlin "B" pattern checkering,traditional "S" style pistol grip and 2nd pattern Marlin hard rubber buttplate. Accompanying this rifle is a Cody Firearms Museum confirming date of shipment Oct 15 1895 and configuration however no mention of engraving is stated. After detailed examination it is the opinion of this cataloger that the engraving is 100% correct and is factory work as is the "Compliments of" inscription on the Bbl. This rifle is accompanied with a notarized affidavit from Lydia Harris dated December 31 1987, in which she states "she is the granddaughter of Thomas M. Pringle and that this rifle mentioned by serial number was his personal gun that he used in exhibition shooting. Mr. Pringle stated name was T.H.Ford. Numerous pictures and period correspondence accompany this rifle. CONDITION: Very fine Bbl retaining over 90% dull blue finish with slight finish loss at muzzle and crowns of Oct flats.Receiver has turned mostly a mottled chocolate patina with trace amounts of case colors in protected areas.Hammer and lever are constant with trace elements of case colors and balance a pleasant patina. Stocks are very fine with most all varnish finish remaining. Numerous period handling marks and typical bruises. Checkering is very fine with slight wear and several small areas of scratching in forearms and pistol grip areas. This appears to be period and consistent with use. 51479-1 TDW (7,000-11,000)