^Lot 114 Marlin Model 1897 Takedown Lever Action Rifle

Marlin Model 1897 Takedown Lever Action Rifle, #184579, .22 RF cal., blued 24'' octagonal barrel, with dovetailed blade front and buckhorn style rear sights, marked with maker's name, address, and 1887-89-90-92 patent dates in two lines on top flat; blued tubular cartridge magazine; case hardened receiver with large knurled right-side takedown screw is marked ''Marlin Safety'' on top, ''Model/1897'' on upper tang, and serial number on lower; loop operating lever; varnished walnut forearm with steel nose cap, matching buttstock with checkered hard rubber buttplate having a circular ''Marlin/M.FA.Co./Safety'' logo in relief. Mfg'd ca. 1899. Condition is near fine. Barrel retains approx. 95% original blue, mag tube 75%; receiver, hammer and lever with 75% softened case colors. Stocks are sound and smooth showing just minor marks of age and use, nice grain and color, and perhaps a later thin coat of varnish; buttplate shows fine checkering and detail. Edges and lettering are crisp. Action is strong and smooth; bore is clean with defined rifling. Est.: $500-$750. (C&R)