^Lot 1035 RARE AND UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN MARLIN

MC58 SERIAL #1 PROTOTYPE USMC SEMI-AUTO TRAINING RIFLE. Cal. 22LR. S# 1. Bbl. 24". This rifle S#1 from a group of only 5 prototype training rifles submitted to the U.S. Marine Corps in response to an invitation to submit 5 - 22 caliber semi-auto rifles to be evaluated as training rifles which would simulate the M1 Garand and be used for early marksmanship training. These 5 rifles used the commercial Model 89 barrel, action and magazine. The sights, stock, handguard and other features were designed to replicate the appearance and handling characteristics of the then issued M1 rifles. All of the 5 rifles were hand made and parts were not interchangeable. They were serial numbered 1-5. After trials between May, 1956 and May, 1957 the rifles were returned to Marlin and an attempt made to remedy a number of deficiencies which became apparent during the trials. Most of the problems were with small parts and failures to feed and eject. The lack of a bolt hold open device was remedied by an addition of a spring loaded pin mounted in the rear sight base. According to Marlin firearms by Brophy the rifles were ultimately given to the Marine Corps after the completion of the trials. The round grooved receiver is fitted with a swing safety at the right rear and is serial numbered 1 on top of the band at the forward end of the receiver. An aperture rear sight is fitted which gives the same types of adjustment and sight picture as the M1 rifles. Blade front sight with protective ears which are profiled similar to the M1 sights. This sight assembly is mounted in a dovetail sporting type ramp. The barrel band which retains the dummy gas cylinder appears to be from a sporting rifle. Unmarked walnut stock and handguard. Stock has "Marlin Bullseye" at belly. Flat steel buttplate with horizontal grooves. 1 1/4" swing swivels. Green web sling marked "MRT JAN. 1953". MAGS: 1 detachable 7 rd. blued steel magazine. CONDITION: despite its use as a trial rifle, the rifle retains a nice appearance with a large percentage of original finish. Stock set has only light wear & scattered handling marks. Dull finished metal has light wear thinning and scattered scratches. Bore has micro groove rifling and is shiny but lands show moderate wear. PROVANANCE: from the Estate Collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (23-4914/RW). CURIO. $8,000-12,000.