Marlin Model 1897 .22S/L/LR 24” Lever Action Rimfire Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,675.00
LSB#: LSB251006RB007
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: Model 1897
Serial Number: 388210
Year of Manufacture: 1906-1916 /C&R
Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “The Marlin Firearms Co. New Haven, Conn. U.S.A. followed by patent date lines. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “388210”. The top tang is marked with “MARLIN / Model 1897” under the tang sight.
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beech flip up combination sight. The rear barrel sight is a semi-buckhorn attached to an elevator. The tang sight is a flip up Lyman A1 tang sight with a large peep sight aperture. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth wood stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic buttplate, and a capped forend. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear. The buttstock and forearm fits tightly to the frame with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The case coloring is 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1897 stands as a classic example of turn-of-the-century American rimfire craftsmanship, produced during a period when lever-action .22 rifles were an essential part of everyday life on farms, in small towns, and on informal shooting grounds across the country. Manufactured between 1906 and 1916, the Model 1897 represents Marlin’s refinement of earlier rimfire lever designs, combining smooth operation, excellent balance, and durable construction. The 24-inch octagonal barrel and tang-mounted aperture sight place this rifle firmly in the era when precision iron-sight shooting was both practical and expected.
Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, the Model 1897 reflects the versatility that made rimfire lever guns indispensable for training, small-game hunting, and general use. This example presents with vivid case coloring, strong remaining finish, crisp markings, and a notably bright, sharply rifled bore, all of which contribute to its high overall presentation. The inclusion of the Lyman A1 tang sight further enhances its period-correct target configuration. Altogether, this rifle offers a compelling snapshot of early twentieth-century Marlin production, combining mechanical integrity, visual appeal, and classic rimfire lineage in an especially attractive C&R-eligible package. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid!
BF
