Lot 19

Factory Master Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 27S Rifle

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Factory Master Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 27S Rifle

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Incredibly Scarce and Highly Attractive Factory Panel Scene Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 27S Slide Action Rifle Attributed to Alden George Ulrich The Model 27 was first advertised in 1909 and became the improved Model 27S only two years later and remained in production until 1932. "Trombone" slide action rifles such as these were often the first type of firearm children in this country learned to shoot with, helping to continue the tradition of "bearing arms" that is deeply rooted in the ethos of America. These slide action rifles were offered by most of the major firearms manufacturers in this country, including Winchester, Remington, Stevens, and Marlin. Typically, these guns were offered in .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle, tame cartridges that were perfect for children to learn both firearm safety and marksmanship with, earning them the nickname "boys' rifles". The .22 caliber versions of these rifles were often the first hunting rifle for American children, creating a love of shooting, hunting, and the outdoors which would often carry forward through the rest of their lives. Marlin's Model 27 and later 27S however offered a bit more "punch", being offered primarily in .25-20 and .32-30 W.C.F. These rifles in their more powerful cartridges were an ideal option for older children who had outgrown their .22 rifles and were ready to step up to hunting slightly larger game. Being popular as a "boy's rifle", these Marlin's generally saw rough use, rarely being found in high condition like this example, and even more rarely having been ordered with deluxe features or factory engraving like this stunning rifle. It is without a doubt that receiving an incredible rifle such as this one could be a defining moment in the life of any American, let alone a child. This beautiful example of the Model 27S shows Marlin's No. 5 pattern engraving, which is attributed to Alden George Ulrich, the son of Conrad F. Ulrich, who began his career at Marlin in 1905 before taking his talents to Winchester around 1920. Sadly, Alden George Ulrich represented the final act of one of America's most legendary engraving dynasties, which had begun back in the mid-1800s and had grown to significantly define the style of American engraving which carries on to this day. The engraving features a panel scene of two squirrels on the left and a scene of two rabbits on the right, both surrounded by decorative borders and floral scrollwork on a matted background. There are light flourishes of floral scroll on the flats of the barrel at the breech, on the trigger guard, and on the upper tang. The rifle is marked as a Model 27 but features the button on the right side of the receiver, a signature of the 27S, suggesting it may have been produced in a transitional period around 1911. The standard Marlin address is on the top flat of the barrel, the smokeless steel marking is on the upper left, and the caliber marking is on the upper right. The matching serial number is on the left side of the upper tang and in the inlet of the stock. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and elevation adjustable notch rear sight and is mounted with a Style F pattern checkered slide handle and straight grip stock, both showing very fine figure, and a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: 27-Rifle

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 32-20 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number2907

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent with 95% of the original matte style blue finish, minor cycling wear, isolated light spotting, and a few scattered light scratches. The wood is also excellent with some scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. The button on the action is stuck; otherwise, the rifle mechanically functions. This is a rare and beautiful example of a factory engraved, deluxe Marlin Model 27S!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000