Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 200647
Year of Manufacture: 1900 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle.
Action Type: Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24", 1/2 Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade set between a base, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The 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 checkered Marlin hard rubber buttplate. The number in the tang recess matches the serial number on the receiver. The left side of the upper tang is marked "547". The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Professionally restored. Custom engraved.
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 9/10.
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. There is minor erosion under the new finish on the receiver. 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 1/2 Octagon, 24 inch barrel, and a date shipped in March 1900.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1897 was developed as an improved, takedown version of the company’s successful Model 1892 rimfire rifle and was offered for the versatile family of .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges. Its compact receiver, smooth lever action, and convenient takedown system made it a practical small-game and recreational rifle, while its basic design established the lineage that would eventually lead to Marlin’s long-lived Model 39 series. This example was factory shipped in March 1900 with its desirable 24-inch half-octagon barrel, a configuration confirmed by the accompanying Cody Firearms Museum Records Search.
This rifle has been professionally restored and custom engraved, retaining about 99% of its current blue and case-colored finish. The restored checkered walnut stocks remain in Excellent condition, the renewed case colors are vibrant. Its nearly perfect, bright, sharply rifled bore rates 9/10, and the takedown lever action functions correctly. Combining a factory-documented special barrel configuration with handsome custom engraving and a high-quality restoration, this Model 1897 offers strong visual appeal and a direct connection to Marlin’s renowned rimfire lever-action heritage.
