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RARE MARLIN 1881 FACTORY ENGRAVED SECOND VARIATION

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
RARE MARLIN 1881 FACTORY ENGRAVED SECOND VARIATION

LEVER ACTION RIFLE. Cal. 45 Govt. (45-70). S# 5045. Desirable second model with many unusual features. The engraving features circular vignettes with a whitetail buck on right side and a grizzly on the left. Scenes are surrounded by highlights of scroll engraving & straight line borders that extend to upper & lower action areas. Breech bolt has circular vignette of a buck deer. 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. Bbl. 28" octagon to round. Lyman no. 4 white bead front sight. Freund patent graduated leaf rear sight. Half length mag. Forearm & straight grip stock with steel shotgun buttplate of fancy deluxe grade uncheckered thin shell walnut. Uncheckered deluxe wood is uncommon among engraved Model 1881 rifles. Records for the model 1881 show only 47 rifles with half round barrels & only 194 with half magazines. Shipped July 12, 1883. Weight: 8 lbs 15.4 oz. CONDITION: octagon portion of bbl retains 60% dull blue. Forward portion of bbl. & mag. tube have largely faded to a smooth brown patina. Action has a pleasing aged gray / brown appearance. Wood has light coat of additional finish over wear, scratches, marks & small dents. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. PROVENANCE: From the life long collection of Robert Runge. (01-21657/DS). ANTIQUE. $10,000-15,000.