Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: 1897

Serial Number: 288902

Year of Manufacture: 1904

Gauge: 22 S/L/LR

Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube

Barrel Length: 28” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The top tang is installed with a Lyman peep sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, Marlin S-shaped pistol grip, straight comb, and a checkered hard rubber Marlin buttplate. There is a sling ring in the bottom of the forend cap and another in the belly of the buttstock. There are some scattered scratches. There is a repaireed crack on the left side of the buttstock at the buttplate running to about the center of the buttstock. There is a small crack on the left side of the wrist at the receiver. 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 Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Most of the finish is original. There is cold blue treatment at the barrel's midlength.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its current finish. Most of the receiver has worn to white and taken to a deep mottled patina. The blue on the barrel is strong with some thinning at the midlength treated with cold blue.There is thinning on the leading edges. There is intermittent oxidation and a few minor handling marks. The markings are crisp. The screws range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition for C&R.

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: This Marlin Model 1897 takedown rifle, manufactured in 1904, reflects Marlin’s refined approach to small caliber sporting rifles at the turn of the 20th century. Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle and fitted with a long 28 inch octagonal barrel, the Model 1897 was valued for its accuracy, balance, and versatility. The takedown configuration, Marlin pistol grip stock, sling rings, and factory provision for aperture sights underscore its role as a premium rimfire rifle intended for target shooting, small game, and extended field use during the early smokeless era.

Condition shows honest use consistent with age and purpose. The rifle retains a mix of original finish and later cold blue touch up at the barrel midlength, with the receiver worn to a mottled patina and the barrel blue remaining comparatively strong. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light erosion, and the action functions correctly. Stock repairs are visible but stable, and the installed Lyman peep sight adds period correct utility. Overall, this is a well preserved and mechanically sound Marlin 1897 that retains strong early 20th century character and classic long barrel rimfire appeal.