Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1897, '97
Serial Number: 427903
Year of Manufacture: 1906-1922 / C&R
Caliber: 22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube
Barrel Length: 24" Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble's Sheard beaded brass blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight with white diamond aim reference, dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver has three drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The top tang has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The left side of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The sights are not original.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, Marlin checkered hard rubber buttplate, and capped forend. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. There are scattered compressions and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few repaired losses around the wrist at the receiver and at the front of the forend. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the end of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined though a bit shallow. There is light erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its original finish. Most of the finish has worn to white or taken to a dark mottled patina. There is intermittent oxidation, fine pitting, a few handling marks, dings, and scratches. There are some trace amounts of case color in the protected areas. The markings are crisp. The screws range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair - Good condition.
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: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1897 occupies an important place in American rimfire lever-action development, carrying forward L.L. Hepburn’s earlier Marlin rimfire designs into a takedown configuration built for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges. Produced into the early 20th century and later succeeded by the Model 39 family, the 1897 offered the handling, workmanship, and repeat-shot utility that made Marlin a serious competitor to Winchester in the small-game and gallery-rifle market.
This example has the desirable 24” octagon barrel, full-length magazine tube, takedown frame, and classic straight-grip walnut furniture. For the buyer who values mechanical condition and classic Marlin rimfire design, this is a well-presenting and usable early Marlin lever gun with real collector appeal.
