Scarce Pre-1898 Marlin 1897 Rifle with Crescent Buttplate

This is a nice Marlin Model 1897 rifle in .22 caliber with a scarce Pre-1898 Antique Serial Number in the 155,000 range. Marlin ran all of their models in a single serial range and I believe the Brophy Book states the first Model 1897 was in the 151,000 range so this one is pretty early. It has a standard 24" Octagon Barrel, Full Magazine, Case Color Hardened Receiver, and one unusual feature. Instead of the standard flat hard rubber shotgun buttplate, it has a special order crescent buttplate. Marlin did not charge extra for crescent buttplates but you did have to specify you wanted one when ordering. We checked the serial numbers on the frame, tangs, buttstock, and buttplate and they all match so the stock and buttplate are definitely original to this rifle and not from a Model 1892 which came standard with crescent buttplates. The main thing that set the 1897 apart from the Model 1891 and 1892 Marlins was the takedown feature allowing the gun to be broken down in two sections for travel. The 1891 and 1892 have a removable side plate but they do not have a takedown feature. The barrel has lots of LL Hepburn Patents: 1887, 1889, 1890, and 1892. When you use the takedown, you'll find his 1897 patent on the inside which I would presume is for the takedown feature. One other advancement which gave the Model 1897 a big advantage over its main rival the Winchester 1890 Pump action the Model 1873 was its versatility. It could feed .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle whereas Winchesters only chambered one specific cartridge.

The overall condition of this one grade well into NRA Antique Fine. The receiver retains 65% original case colors which are bright in the protected areas (about 20%) and faded but discernible on the receiver flats (about 45%). The hammer, lever, upper and lower tangs also show some good case colors. At some point, the upper tang appears to have had a tang sight which is why it has such good case colors around the Model 1897 marking. The little plug screws for the tang mounts were missing when we got this rifle so we had them installed replacement. The barrel and magazine tube are 90% original blue. Great Barrel Markings. Top of the receiver is stamped "Marlin Safety". No extra holes or taps in the metal or the wood. The bore is very good with no discernible pits and no rings or bulges. Good screws throughout. The wood is in fine condition with some light handling marks. It still has 95% original factory varnish intact. No chips, cracks, or repairs. This rifle was used but well looked after and much better than average for a 19th century Marlin, especially a .22. Antique, Pre-1898. No FFL under Federal Law.

Item# i371

$1,950