Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 368275
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 white beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The front sight is not original. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight 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.
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. The wrist fits shy to the tangs and receiver. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/8” 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
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10. The barrel has been sleeved.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its current finish. Much of the finish has taken to a mottled patina. There is thinning and finish loss on the leading edges. There is intermittent oxidation, fine pitting, a few handling marks, dings, and scratches. The markings are crisp. The screws range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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. It has been refinished, with the stocks sanded and refinished as well, and now shows about 50% of its current blue finish with mottled patina, oxidation, fine pitting, and honest handling wear. The sleeved bore is a major strength, rating 10/10 with bright metal and sharp rifling, and the action functions correctly. For the buyer who values mechanical condition and classic Marlin rimfire design over untouched originality, this is a well-presenting and usable early Marlin lever gun with real collector appeal.
