Manufactured in 1897 and featuring an absolutely stunning Marlin No. 10 factory engraving featuring gold and platinum inlays and fancy grade walnut stock and forearm. The No. 10 engraving had an original list price of $50.00. Marlins with costly, high level engraving patterns, including the No. 10, have been attributed to renowned Master Engraver Conrad Ulrich and are pictured in Brophy's "Marlin Firearms" on pages 532-536. The various styles of Marlin engraving and checkering are illustrated in the 1896 edition of "Special High Grade Marlin Repeaters" reproduced on pages 226-228 of "Steel Canvas" by Wilson. Both sides of the receiver feature a relief grape leaf pattern and highly detailed games scenes outlined in gold inlaid oval borders. The game scene on the left side has "the added elegance" of being relief carved. The scene on the left side depicts a moose, and the scene on the right side depicts a bear. Flourishes of differing scroll patterns appear on the receiver, forend cap, takedown collar and lever. The breech end of the barrel has engraved scrolls and gold and platinum inlaid bands. An additional platinum band appears on the forend cap. The barrel has German silver blade and elevation adjustable sights, the two-line address/patent dates and "30-30" between gold inlays on the top flat and "SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL" on the upper left flat. The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY," and the upper tang is marked "MODEL/1893." Mounted on a fancy grain and checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock. The stock is fitted with a Marlin checkered and embossed hard rubber buttplate.

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original blue finish and 90% plus original case colors with slight thinning on the takedown ring and bottom of lever. 95% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate and trigger. The engraving is crisp, and all of the gold and platinum inlays remain. The wood is also excellent showing some minor handing evidence and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. One of the best factory engraved Marlins we have seen. This rifle would be a stand-out piece in the most advanced collection of 19th century American sporting arms. A definite must have for the serious Marlin collector.