Manufactured circa 1898 to 1905, this model was Marlin's first commercially sold shotgun. Marlin manufactured an estimated 55,000 of these shotguns. These shotguns featured an exposed hammer, takedown frames and a receiver which looks a lot like the larger caliber lever action rifles of Marlin. Single brass bead sight and choked full. The top of the barrel near the breech is marked with the two line address/patent dates, "<>SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL <>" on the left rear and "12 GA." on top at the breech. Fine scroll engraved action with zigzag bordering and an oval panel with ducks in a marsh scene on the left side. Scroll engraving on the right side of the receiver and two pigeons in flight on the bolt. The underside of the barrel is marked "67946 F", the "F" signifying full choke. The barrel numbers on this model did not match the receiver. Mounted with a nicely figured checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a "Marlin" marked serrated horn buttplate. Length of pull is 13 1/2 inches.

Very fine. The shotgun retains 75% original thin blue finish with normal usage wear on the magazine slide and slide bar, some thinning to a smooth gray patina and edge wear. There is a 1 1/2 patch of moderate pitting on the right side of the barrel. The forearm is also very fine with almost all of the original varnish remaining, and showing a few minor dings and scuffs with crisp checkering. The stock shows several minor cracks, a few minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are clear. Mechanically fine.