VERY EARLY ENGRAVED MARLIN MODEL 1881 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

01-21654

Cal. 45 Govt (45-70)
S# 240

Outstanding first variation factory engraved rifle that may be the only one with a rebated front receiver ring. Left side of receiver features a circular vignette of a charging Buffalo bull. Left side vignette depicts a whitetail buck & doe. Scenes are surrounded by an extensive vine type foliate scroll with punch dot background & fancy borders. Complimenting scroll extends to upper & lower receiver areas as well as flanges, top tang & surrounds a stag head on the breech bolt. Although not signed the engraving appears to be the work of Conrad Friedrich Ulrich Jr (1844-1925). Conrad Ulrich did almost all of the Marlin engraving from 1881 to 1910. Blue finished rifle with rare nickel finished action having case colored hammer & lever. Consignor states “In my conversation with fellow Marlin collectors, and through extensive research, it is my opinion that this may be Marlin’s first factory engraved model 1881 rifle.” Bbl. 28″ octagon. Lyman bead front sight, graduated leaf rear sight & combination tang sight. Full length mag. Steel capped forend & straight grip stock of fancy thin shell walnut with steel shotgun buttplate. Point pattern hand engraving wraps around the toeline of the stock & in square at the rear of the forearm.

Weight: 9 lbs 14 oz.

STATUS: ANTIQUE.