Manufactured in 1899, this is a fine example of a factory panel scene engraved Marlin deluxe Model 1893 takedown rifle. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .30 caliber with a 26 inch octagon barrel, pistol grip stock, and in takedown configuration when shipped on 12 May 1899. The receiver shows the standard Grade No. 1 engraving, a design which was created and almost certainly executed by Conrad F. Ulrich. Ulrich is noted by William Brophy on p. 533 of "Marlin Firearms" as having executed almost all of the engraving on Marlin firearms during the period of 1881 to 1910. Brophy also notes on p. 530-532 that "...the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not." Having said that, given the fairly standardized patterns of Marlin engraving, it is fairly straight forward to determine that this rifle was indeed factory engraved and that the engraving was likely executed by Conrad Ulrich. The Grade No. 1 engraving seen on this piece features decorative borders, flourishes of floral scroll, and a buck standing in a forested scene on the left. The top of the barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and patent date, caliber marking at the breech, and the special smokeless steel marking on the upper left. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver and the left side of the upper tang. "37161" is marked inside the stock inlet, and "83297" is marked inside the buttplate. Due to the fit and similar aging of all the parts, the writer believes these parts were all together when the rifle left the factory. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a finely figured No. B checkered forearm and incredibly figured, pistol grip buttstock with matching checkering and fitted with a crescent buttplate. Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman