High Relief Engraved Marlin Model 1895 Takedown .40-65 WCF Lever Action Rifle, Mf’d 1896 – Antique

SOLD FOR: $3,316.00
LSB#: 
121112JP01
Make: Marlin 
Model: Takedown Model 1895 
Serial Number: 137917 
Year of Manufacture: 1896 
Caliber: .40-65 
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle, Takedown 
Markings: The barrel is marked “Marlin Fire Arms co. New Haven, Ct. U.S.A. / Patented. Oct. 11. 1887. April 2. 1889, August 1. 1899.” and “40-65”. The serial number is found on the underside of the frame. The upper tang is marked “Model / 1895” and the top of the frame is “Marlin Safety”. 
Barrel Length: 26″ 
Sights / Optics: The rifle is mounted with an empty dovetail at the muzzle and a flip buckhorn rear sight at the rear dovetail. 
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are oiled smooth wood, with a lot of figure. The wood has darkened considerably over time, though the wood to metal fit remains very good. There are scattered dings and marks, but no splits or cracks. The LOP measures about 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the crescent plate. The stocks rate in about Very Good to Fine overall condition. 
Type of Finish: Blue 
Finish Originality: Uncertain, as no finish remains. 
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is deep but worn. There is erosion and patches of pitting in the bore. 
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a general thick brown patina, throughout. There is erosion and surface rust, on much of the left side of the gun. The metal is smoother on the right side of the gun. There is much edge wear and dinging of the metal, especially at the edges. the engraving is very deep and nicely done, but apparently unsigned. There are what looks like gold, silver and copper inlays. The screw heads are very serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall, this gun rates in about Fair condition. 
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. 
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes with a litany of paperwork, though none directly addressing this gun or the engraving. Please review the attached scans of the documents. 
Our Assessment: This is a second year production, takedown Marlin Model 1895. This is a desirable gun, early and in parts complete condition, but it only gets better from there. The engraving on this rifle is very well accomplished and very deep. We do not know who did it, when or where, but it was done a long time ago as the age over the engraving is consistent with that of the balance of the rifle. Whoever did it obviously had a special fondness for this rifle, and the means to accomplish very expensive work. We wish this one could talk…

High Relief Engraved Marlin Model 1895 Takedown .40-65 WCF Lever Action Rifle, Mf'd 1896 - Antique
High Relief Engraved Marlin Model 1895 Takedown .40-65 WCF Lever Action Rifle, Mf’d 1896 – Antique