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*SCARCE MARLIN MODEL 1897 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
*SCARCE MARLIN MODEL 1897 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 252656. Cal. 22. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/2" rnd bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mtn. front sight and Marlin semi-buckhorn rear sight. Muzzle end of bbl had the end machined with Maxim silencer threads added. It retains its orig knurled thread protector nut. Mounted with uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and Marlin hard rubber buttplate. Left side of top tang, under the wood, is marked with last three digits of matching SN. Full SN is found in top tang channel of the buttstock. Round top receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY" and top tang "MODEL 1897". The Model 1897 was produced in large quantities from 1897-1917, few ever had the Maxim silencer threads added. These rifles were considered boy's or lady's rifles and usually saw very hard service with no maintenance and are rarely found with any orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with some fine thinning over the top about mid-point; magazine tube retains strong blue, turning a little plum about mid-point; receiver retains about all of its orig case colors, strong on sides, bright over the top and faded on the bottom; lever & hammer retain bright case colors on the sides, somewhat faded on outer faces of lever; top tang is mostly faded to silver. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks & scratches, a little oil staining around receiver & tang and overall retains about all of its fine orig varnish; buttplate has a small chipped toe. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-49511 JR397