October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
Sights include Beach front, two leaf folding rear and a tang sight. CONDITION: The case colors on this rifle are brilliant and retain nearly all the original varnish. Aside from the bottom of lever which has dulled, the balance of color on frame and lever is 99% and the colors are rich and deep, no signs of any thinning or wear. The round barrel and half magazine retain 98% original blue with just some light thinning and high edge wear. Legends and edges are sharp as new. The deluxe varnished pistol grip checkered walnut stocks show only a few handling marks and are near mint. The Marlin gutta percha buttplate is also near mint. Forend cap retains virtually all of its blue finish. The rifling is strong but does have some minor abrasion. You will have to look for a long time to find any Model 97 in better condition than this example. DB