The factory letter lists this rifle in .38-55 with a 26 inch 1/2 octagon barrel, pistol grip stock, half magazine, and takedown configuration and indicates it was shipped on November 9, 1897. It is beautifully embellished with highly sought after Marlin factory No. 5 engraving along with gold inlaid accents. The casehardened receiver features broad scrollwork on a punch dot background along with stunning, finely detailed relief engraved game scenes. The “Monarch of the Dell” (based on the painting "Monarch of the Glen" by Landseer), a typical sign of Marlin’s best work, takes center stage on the left side. On the right side of the receiver is a scene depicting a grizzly bear proudly standing over his fresh kill. A similar engraving pattern but with the addition of inlaid work was used on Annie Oakley's Model 1893 no. 419119 that we had the pleasure of selling in the December 2020 Premier Auction. The underside of the receiver features a bighorn ram's head outlined in gold inlay. Examples of the engraving are found on pages 199-200 of Brophy's "Marlin Firearms." Conrad Ulrich engraved most of the work for Marlin c. 1881 to 1910 while his son Alden George engraved for Marlin c. 1905 to 1919. The Marlin patterns were established by Conrad Ulrich and were influenced by the works by renowned 19th century master engravers L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young. This Model 1893 certainly showcases the high art of Marlin embellishment at the beginning of the 20th century. Gold inlaid lines terminating in scroll accent the engraving on both sides of the receiver. The exposed barrel flats towards the breech, forend cap, buttplate, and sides of the hammer and lever feature light scrollwork and gold inlay. The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY" flanked by additional gold inlay. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman dovetail beaded blade front sight, a three leaf rear sight, and Lyman folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates ending with the year 1893 legend ahead of the rear sight and "38-55" at the breech. The upper left barrel flat is stamped "SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL." The select deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory fleur-de-lis carving and checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a checkered hard rubber Marlin shotgun buttplate.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 60% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The remaining metal surfaces retain 40% vivid original case colors in the sheltered areas, otherwise toned to an even patina. The engraving is crisp. The wood is very fine with a splice repair visible at the toe extending to buttplate, minor handling marks, softened forearm checkering, and overall crisp pistol grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. A true work of early 20th century Marlin firearms artistry that is a must have for the serious Marlin collector. No Marlin collection can be considered complete without a Monarch of the Dell engraved piece!