Marlin Model 1897 22 S L LR 24″ Lever Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,471.00
LSB#: LSB260430DB002
Make: Marlin Firearms Corporation
Model: Model 1897
Serial Number: 417496
Year of Manufacture: Circa early 1910s, C&R. Marlin factory records available through the Cody Firearms Records Office generally end near serial number 355,000 and circa 1906, preventing a precise factory date for this rifle.
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever-action takedown rimfire rifle fed by a full-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The top barrel flat is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CORPORATION. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED”. The top barrel flat at the chamber is marked between arrows “22 S-L & L-R”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL / 1897”. The receiver is marked “PAT. JUNE 11, 1887”. The serial number “417496” is marked on the underside of the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24”, octagonal.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an elevator-adjustable buckhorn sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, plastic buttplate, and capped forend. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show scattered light scratches, nicks, compression marks, and minor finish wear. There is light discoloration and handling wear along the wood-to-metal fit. There are no notable chips or cracks visible in the provided photos. Overall, the stocks rate in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel, magazine tube, lever, and steel furniture with a color case-hardened receiver.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The blued components show light operational and handling wear with scattered scratches, minor finish thinning, and light freckling. The receiver retains strong and attractive case coloring with scattered fading, light handling marks, and minor freckling. The lever and buttplate show light edge wear and small areas of finish loss. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are generally clean. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1897 was an improved takedown development of the company’s earlier Model 1891 and became the direct predecessor of the celebrated Model 39 series. Its solid-top receiver, side ejection, tubular magazine, and ability to fire .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges made it a versatile sporting and recreational rifle. Standard features included walnut stocks, a tubular magazine, traditional barrel-mounted sights, and a color case-hardened receiver.
This example is configured with the desirable 24” octagonal barrel, straight-grip walnut furniture, and color case-hardened receiver. It retains approximately 95% of its original finish, with particularly attractive case coloring remaining on the receiver. The mostly bright bore retains sharp rifling, and the lever action functions correctly. This is a handsome and well-preserved example of one of Marlin’s most historically important rimfire lever-action rifles. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.