Help! I have just received a Marlin Model 1897 .22 Lever Action from a friend who wants it "Restored". I am VERY hesitant as when they gave it to me they thought it was a model 96 from the 50/60's.
The serial number is 212000. I believe it was manufactured around 1900. It is missing the magazine tube and one of the small hand grip forward screws. The rear sight is also gone (Dovetail looks clean though). It is filthy, cruddy. I "gently" wiped away some of the crud inside and it is marked "Pat. June 8, 1897".
Can anyone provide any info/recommendations/ Price inf/ANYTHING on this? I WILL NOT make any changes to this gun until I am certain that doing so is in its best interest.
The serial number is 212000. I believe it was manufactured around 1900. It is missing the magazine tube and one of the small hand grip forward screws. The rear sight is also gone (Dovetail looks clean though). It is filthy, cruddy. I "gently" wiped away some of the crud inside and it is marked "Pat. June 8, 1897".
Can anyone provide any info/recommendations/ Price inf/ANYTHING on this? I WILL NOT make any changes to this gun until I am certain that doing so is in its best interest.