Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: Model 1897
Serial Number: 254320
Year of Manufacture: 1902 / C&R
Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24" Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade set between a base, 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. The sights are not original.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with straight grip, straight comb, checkered hard rubber Marlin buttplate, and capped forend. There are scattered compressions and nicks. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. The wood fits shy to the metal. There is a repaired crack on the right side of the wrist. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original. Parts have been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is rounded where not interrupted by erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to white and taken to a light mottled patina. The case color is completely muted. Some areas of the receiver have been treated with cold blue. There is intermittent erosion and pitting. Some of the stock finish is pooled on the receiver. The magtube dovetail is somewhat loose. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1897 was developed from Lewis L. Hepburn’s earlier Model 1891 and 1892 rimfire actions, adding a practical takedown system while retaining Marlin’s solid-top receiver, side ejection, exposed hammer, and tubular magazine. Offered exclusively as a takedown .22 rimfire rifle, it could chamber .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle ammunition and was produced with several barrel lengths and profiles. Serial number 254320 falls within the approximate 1902 production range, placing this rifle before Marlin shortened the designation to Model ’97 around 1905.
This rifle retains approximately 0% of its original metal finish, with the exposed surfaces worn to gray metal and a lightly mottled patina. Portions of the receiver have been treated with cold blue, and intermittent oxidation, erosion, and pitting are present. The bore rates 5/10 with rounded but visible rifling and erosion, and the action and half-cock safety function correctly. Though well worn, this remains a serviceable representative of Marlin’s foundational takedown rimfire design and a tangible link in the lineage that ultimately produced the celebrated Model 39 series.
