Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
VERY EARLY FACTORY ENGRAVED MARLIN MODEL 1881 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE
01-21654
Cal. 45 Govt (45-70)
S# 240
Outstanding first variation factory engraved rifle, research done by consignor indicates that this is not only very likely the earliest engraved model 1881 rifle manufactured, but the only one currently known with a rebated receiver ring. While “Marlin Firearms” by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy States that fewer than 600 Model 1881 rifles were produced with rebated receivers, more recent extensive research done by Mr. Runge and fellow Marlin enthusiast Rick Regnier indicate that fewer than 300 were actually manufactured. 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
