Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 154698
Year of Manufacture: 1897, Antique
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle.
Action Type: Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 28", Octagonal. Record Search states this rifle shipped with a 24" barrel.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a folding Beach combination front sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with capped forend, "S"-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate. The checkering has been re-cut. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks outside of a couple small grain splits. There is a repaired chip on the left side of the forend. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has vibrant case color throughout. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition as restored.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished, Professionally Restored
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is a small squib ring about a quarter of an inch from the muzzle. There is light erosion down the length. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The new case color is vibrant. There is little to no operational wear post refinish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a CFM Records Search confirming a Date Shipped of September 15, 1897 in .22 Caliber with a 24" Octagon Barrel.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1897 refined Lewis L. Hepburn’s earlier Model 1891 and 1892 rimfire actions by adding a convenient takedown system while retaining Marlin’s solid-top receiver, side ejection, exposed hammer, and tubular magazine. The 28-inch octagonal barrel, checkered walnut furniture, crescent buttplate, and combination front sight give this rifle a particularly distinctive sporting-rifle configuration from the opening years of Marlin’s celebrated takedown .22 lineage.
This professionally restored rifle retains about 99% of its current blue and case-colored finish, with vibrant case color and little subsequent operational wear. The action functions correctly. Combining an unusually long octagonal barrel, handsome early styling, strong restored presentation, and an antique first-year serial range, this is an appealing Model 1897 that will make a beautiful addition to any Marlin or lever action collection.
