1399

*RARE MARLIN MODEL 31D PUMP ACTION SHOTGUN.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
*RARE MARLIN MODEL 31D PUMP ACTION SHOTGUN.
SN 1249. Cal. 16 ga. Spectacular pump shotgun made in very limited numbers between 1914-1917 with only about 4,282 produced in that time frame in both 20 & 16 ga. and in two bbl lengths. This shotgun has 28" matted top bbl with raised matted top receiver, sgl silver bead and 5-rd magazine under the bbl. Mounted with very highly figured circassian walnut with 32-line per inch checkered rnd forearm and serpentine grip buttstock that has serrated hard rubber buttplate. Outside face of the action rod is matted just like top of the bbl. Receiver is beautifully engraved by Alden George Ulrich (1888-1949)with the very large vignette of three Ruffed Grouse in a very detailed woodland scene on left side and the beautiful vignettes of two flying mallards in a marsh scene and a walking woodcock on the right side. Both sides have very nicely detailed & shaded foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Matching engraving extends over top & bottom of receiver. Slide release, screws, safety & trigger are gold washed. This is one of Marlin's finest shotguns and their highest grade shotgun that cost double the next highest grade at $141.90 in 1917, at which time Marlin stopped production of their shotguns. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains just about all of its strong blue finish with some light chemical spotting on top of receiver and some light discoloration on the bbl; trigger, screws & other small parts retain most of their light gold wash. Wood is sound with only one or two tiny nicks and retains about all of its crisp, orig oil finish; checkering shows light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be new & unfired. 4-49506 JR400