Offered here is a wonderful, high condition and rare factory engraved Marlin Model 1893 masterpiece that was manufactured in 1903. This Model 1893 is a rarity in Marlin collecting as it is not only factory engraved and inscribed, but it also features a factory two-tone finish of blue and gold that give a very striking contrast. From 1881 to 1910, renowned master engraver Conrad F. Ulrich, Jr. did most of the engraving for Marlin. The quality of the embellishment certainly reaches Ulrich's standards. He was, after all, the person who established Marlin's patterns. The fine engraving on the receiver features a large oval panel vignette depicting a running buck and dog on the left and a smaller circular panel depicting a standing buck on the right. Each panel is surrounded by classic Ulrich scrollwork and bordering. The top of the receiver has the standard "MARLIN SAFETY" marking. Additional engraved flourishes decorate the forend cap, takedown collar and the special order 26 inch part octagon barrel at the breech. The rifle is documented in William Brophy's "Marlin Firearms" on page 198 where a picture of the inscription on the underside of the frame is shown. This inscription reads, "Thos. S. Jones." Thomas S. Jones (1840-1913) was an esteemed Oneida County, New York, district attorney as well as a very successful criminal and civil attorney. His peers considered Jones "one of the ablest and most skillful cross-examiners among the attorneys of [New York] state. His manner was quiet and earnest, yet he was thinking deeply all the time. His arguments were not speculative nor fine spun theories, but always appealed to the common sense of a jury. While he was among the giants of the bar and had prominent and wealthy men for his clients, he had innumerable acquaintances and friends among the common people, and with these he was a great favorite." It was said, "His criminal cases gave him the most notoriety, but his civil cases gave him the highest reputation." His specialty was insurance law, but the prosecutions of the train robber Oliver Curtis Perry and several high profile murderers were the cases that made him a local legend. Consignor research pertaining to Jones is included. The barrel and magazine are blued, the hammer is casehardened, and the remaining surfaces, including the knurled magazine tube cap, are plated in gold. The rifle is equipped with a Lyman's beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line New Haven address and patent marking ending with the August 1893 date. The nicely figured deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature Marlin's multi-point no. B cut checkering. The buttstock is featured with a crescent buttplate.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 95% plus original blue finish. 60% original case colors remain on the hammer. The frame retains 90% plus original gold plating. The remaining surfaces retain 80% original gold plating. The engraving is crisp. The wood is very fine with minor handling marks, some crazing to the original varnish, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This factory engraved, two-tone deluxe Marlin 1893 takedown rifle inscribed to an accomplished New York lawyer is a stunning rarity in Marlin collecting that is a must have for the serious collector. The rifle will certainly make a grand statement to any Marlin or firearms art collection.