Engraved Marlin 1897 Century Ltd. Commemorative 22LR 24” Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,556.00
LSB#: LSB251109DC134
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: Model 1897
Serial Number: 18973416
Year of Manufacture: 1997 / Modern
Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “1897 CENTURY LIMITED” “The Marlin Firearms Co. New Haven, Conn. U.S.A.”/ **CAL..22 S.L. & LR., MICRO-GROVE BARREL**” The top tang is marked with the serial number “18973416”. The top of the receiver is “MARLIN SAFETY”.
Engraving: Both sides of the receiver are fully scroll engraved with Gold accents. The left side has a gold portrait of a wolf. The right side is engraved with “”1897 CENTURY LIMITED 1997” in gold with a portrait of John Marlin and “ONE HUNDRED YEARS.”
Barrel Length: 24” Half Round, Half Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear barrel sight is a U-notch full -buckhorn sight attached to an elevator with a diamond sighter. The side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered wood stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic buttplate, and a capped forend. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show limited wear or handling marks. The buttstock and forearm fits tightly to the frame with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore but there is minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The bluing and the engraving are still vivid. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp, and all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original box and paperwork.
Our Assessment: Originally introduced in 1897, the Marlin Model 1897 established itself as one of the most successful and enduring lever action rimfire rifles in American firearms history. Designed as a reliable and accurate small game rifle, it quickly earned favor with sportsmen, trappers, and rural shooters for its smooth action, solid construction, and excellent handling characteristics. A century later, Marlin Firearms Company commemorated this milestone with the 1897 Century Limited, a special edition intended to honor both the original model and Marlin’s legacy as one of America’s premier sporting arms manufacturers.
The 1897 Century Limited was conceived as more than a cosmetic tribute, combining traditional design elements with refined presentation details. The rifle retains the classic 24 inch half-round, half-octagonal barrel profile and tubular magazine configuration associated with early Marlin lever actions, along with Micro-Groove rifling to deliver modern accuracy standards. Extensive factory engraving with gold accents adorns the receiver, including commemorative inscriptions, a portrait of John Mahlon Marlin, and a wolf motif, elevating the rifle from a standard production piece to a true factory commemorative. The use of special serial numbering beginning with “1897” further reinforces the historical theme and limited nature of the run. This special edition rifle represents far more than nostalgia. It is a carefully curated celebration of a classic model, produced in limited numbers for those who appreciate the artistry of a bygone era.
This example presents in excellent overall condition, retaining strong original finish, vivid engraving, and crisp markings throughout, along with tight wood-to-metal fit and well-preserved checkered stocks. Accompanied by its original box and paperwork, it represents a well-executed celebration of Marlin’s lever action heritage and stands as a visually striking and historically meaningful commemorative rifle that bridges classic design with late-20th-century craftsmanship, Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF
