Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1897, '97
Serial Number: A2928
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1916-1917, A Prefix / C&R. Assembled from parts by Marlin Arms Corp. or Marlin-Rockwell during WWI while carrying out war time contracts.
Caliber: 22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle fed by tubular magazine.
Barrel Length: 22" Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver and tang are drilled, tapped, and filled for receiver or tang sights, none present. The front sight has been replaced.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with an "S"-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, steel curved buttplate, and capped forend. There are scratches, compressions, and nicks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. 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.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull with defined rifling where not interrupted by erosion. There is modest erosion down the length. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational and handling wear. The case color is strong in the protected areas and is generally well preserved throughout with some muting in the high handling areas. Much of the blue has taken to a mottled patina. There is intermittent oxidation and thinning on the leading edges. 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 ’97 evolved from the Model 1892 and was one of the defining early American rimfire lever actions. Renamed from the Model 1897 around 1905, it was offered exclusively as a takedown .22 rimfire rifle and established the mechanical lineage that continued through the celebrated Model 39 series. This A-prefix example is attributed to Marlin’s transitional World War I period, when sporting-arms production was interrupted by military contracts and the company passed through Marlin-Rockwell ownership, giving it added historical interest beyond the standard prewar Model ’97.
This rifle retains about 50% of its original blue and case-colored finish, with particularly attractive case color remaining in protected areas. The walnut stocks show scattered age and handling wear but remain free of chips and cracks, the front sight is a replacement, and the bore rates 5/10 with defined rifling and modest erosion. The action functions correctly, and the 22-inch octagonal barrel, takedown configuration, and A-prefix serial number make this an appealing representative of Marlin’s early rimfire lever-action heritage.
