Premier Fine Art & Antiques Auction
August 29, 2023
Below is just a small portion of the massive selection of high quality art & antiques to be featured in our upcoming August 29th 2023 auction! This auction will span multiple genres of collectibles, including Fine Paintings & Art, Jewelry & Silver, Orientalia, Rare Glass & Lamps, Early & Victorian Furniture, Decoys, Carvings, Coin-Op, & MORE!
Captain Hardy Inscribed Marlin Model 97 Factory Engraved Lever-Action Rifle
23-67
Cal. 22 S, L, LR
S# 421258
World famous exhibition shooter Captain A. H. Hardy was born Albert Howard Hardy 5/6/1876 and died in Culver City California in 1950. Hardy was pall bearer at Buffalo Bill Cody’s funeral in Denver Colorado. Talented leatherworker, Captain Hardy made holsters for many Hollywood celebrities at his Beverly Hills shop. Left side of receiver of this outstanding rifle is factory inscribed “Made especially for Capt. Hardy”. Full nickel finished rifle with engraving that most closely resembles the No. 5 pattern. Left side of receiver features a viginette of elk below the Captain Hardy inscription bordered by vine type scroll with punch dot backgrounds and fancy borders. Matching scroll continues to the right side of the receiver with complimenting scroll and borders found on upper and lower action areas and breech end of bbls. Bbl is 24” of tapered octagon with a “Western” marked bead front sight and V notch sporting rear sight. Top flat of bbl has 2 holes with plug screws for attachment of optional scope. Forearm and S curved pistol grip stock are fashioned from fancy birds eye maple. Forearm has No. D checkering. Stock features No. F checkering on the pistol grip. Forearm cap and crescent steel buttplate are engraved to compliment the action. Right side of stock is stamped “BEN SWEET/DENVER”. The model 97 was Marlin’s first takedown lever-action rifle and was superseded by the Model 39 in 1922.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 28 1/2” x 7 1/2” by 2 3/4” leather covered case with green leather lined interior. Back of case is stamped “BEN SWEET/DENVER”. Case is in fair condition showing numerous wear spots and handling marks. Also included is the optional nickel finished Weaver J-4 scope with 1 piece Redfield mount. Scope has standard crosshairs with slightly cloudy appearance. Nickel finish shows scuff marks.
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