Marlin Firearms Co. 1897 Annie Oakley .22 S/L/LR 18.5″ Lever Rifle MFD 1998
SOLD FOR: $1202
LSB#: 211026DW20
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1897 Annie Oakley
Serial Number: AO-00969
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Takedown Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Mag Tube
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “1897 ANNIE OAKLEY”, “The Marlin Firearms Co. North Haven. Conn. USA / ** CAL. S.L. & L.R. MICRO-GROOVE BARREL **”, and with a “JM” proof mark at the rear. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked with a two-line warning address. The left side of the receiver is engraved with a depiction of Annie wielding a rifle surrounded by floral scrolls and a banner below that reads “LITTLE SURE SHOT”. The right side of the receiver shows a bust portrait of Annie surrounded by floral scrolls. The bolt is marked “Annie Oakley” in gold cursive script. The upper tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 18.5” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall brass beaded blade with a serrated rear face that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn with a reversible U/V-notch leaf that has a white diamond aim guide which is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for mounting an optic (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with a capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a checkered black Marlin buttplate. The Marlin “bullseye” is present in the belly. The wood shows no notable imperfections. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a small spot of thinned finish on the lower tang from contact with the lever. Otherwise, there are no major imperfections. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle is equipped with a push safety that blocks the hammer. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its original Annie Oakley commemorative box with paperwork including a manual and a base rail.
Our Assessment: Annie Oakley was an American sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Oakley developed hunting skills as a child to provide for her impoverished family in western Ohio. At 15, she won a shooting contest against experienced marksman Frank E. Butler, whom she later married. The pair joined Buffalo Bill in 1885, performing in Europe before royalty and other heads of state. Audiences were astounded to see her shooting out a cigar from her husband’s lips or splitting a playing-card edge-on at 30 paces, and she earned more than anyone except Buffalo Bill himself. This is a beautiful Marlin 1897 rifle to commemorate this legendary shooter. It retains about 99% of its original finish and the stocks are in excellent shape. Please see our photos and good luck!