“THE HIGHLAND KICKER” A UNIQUE PRESENTATION ENGRAVED DELUXE MARLIN 1881 RIFLE INSCRIBED TO W. SCOTT JR. IN WONDERFUL CONDITION

“THE HIGHLAND KICKER” A UNIQUE PRESENTATION ENGRAVED DELUXE MARLIN 1881 RIFLE INSCRIBED TO W. SCOTT JR. IN WONDERFUL CONDITION

01-25284
Cal. 45-70 Govt
S# 17132

There is not a lot of information regarding W. Scott Jr., however accounts from people that were familiar with this rifle have indicated it is referring to a gentleman from NY who reportedly had an association with early foot fighting. This appears to be a reference to Savate or Chausson the predecessor to modern French kickboxing that was quite popular in the late 1800’s. Whoever Mr. Scott may have been his rifle will leave a mark that may have rivaled one of the fierce highland kicks referenced in the inscription with its beautiful deluxe configuration. It is fitted with a rare 24” octagonal barrel that is marked with a third variation address and carries a half magazine, semi buckhorn rear sight and German silver Rocky Mountain front sight. The attractively engraved non-rebated type two case colored frame was most likely engraved by master engraver Conrad Ulrich. The left side features a carefully stylized inscription to “W. Scott Jr.” within an oval vignette surrounded with foliate arabesque shapes within a line border and accented with heart decorations. The right side bears the inscription “The Highland Kicker” within its own vignette and engraved en suite with the reverse. The top tang, bottom of the receiver, as well as, the top is also engraved. The figured European walnut buttstock with serpentine pistol grip is checkered in the early B pattern with matching forearm and terminated with a smooth steel semi crescent buttplate. The rifle is all matching with numbers on the inside of the buttplate, buttstock on the forward face, the lower tang, & the upper tang. The Cody Firearms Museum confirms the following information “Model 1881 / 45/70 / 24-inch barrel / Pistol grip / 1/2 magazine/ Shipped from the warehouse July 5 , 1887” Marlin records do not usually list wood, engraving or inscriptions. In addition, it appears from a copy of the ledger book that accompanies the Highland Kicker there is a second rifle which carries a factory duplicated serial number. A second Cody letter that is also included indicates that the gun with the duplicated serial number carries a 32” barrel, single trigger and shipped May 9, 1887. Extremely few Marlin 1881 rifles were ever inscribed making this an incredibly rare rifle in a scarce deluxe configuration, with a popular caliber, and an interesting association with an early form of kickboxing.

PROVENANCE: William Blount Collection of Extraordinary Marlins.

STATUS: ANTIQUE