The Model 1881 was the first lever action rifle design by Marlin, and it proved to be very popular with many customers out west. Per "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms", only around 20,000 Model 1881s were manufactured by Marlin in 1881-1892. About 6,261 of this model were chambered in .40-60 caliber. Very few left the factory in deluxe configuration, and even fewer were factory engraved let alone inscribed. The added costs for special features were considered too much for the general customer looking for a "working man's gun." This fine factory engraved deluxe example is inscribed to a distinguished western settler, is equipped with factory double set triggers and a period 30 1/2 inch long Malcolm telescope on a Slotterbek mount, and is pictured in William Brophy's "Marlin Firearms" on page 678. This Model 1881 certainly has it all! This Marlin is inscribed to Clinton L. White. After graduating Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, in 1874, Clinton L. White (1850-1925) came to California. In the fall of that year he earn his teacher's certificate and taught for eight months in Placer County and then entered the law office of George Cadwalder in Sacramento as a clerk for the next two years. In 1877 he earned his license to practice law and was met with great success. He had his "name on the wall" to several well respected law firms. In 1879 he published a book on criminal law which was well received by his peers. He was secretary of the Judiciary Committee of the California State Senate in 1880 and 1881. From 1881 to 1882 he served as deputy attorney general of California and argued cases in front of the state supreme court. For 10 years he served with the California National Guard, reaching the rank of major and judge advocate. He was mayor of Sacramento for a two year term. In the "History of Sacramento County," White's contribution to California is summarized as the following: "Among the oldest and most distinguished members o the California Bar, widely and favorably known throughout and beyond the confines of Sacramento County, is Clinton L White, who has gained an enviable place as a counselor and attorney, having acquired, during his long years of practice, a clientele highly appreciative of his knowledge of the law, his keen interpretation of legal questions, and his straightforwardness in giving the most conscientious and dependable advice." Consignor research related to Clinton L. White is provided. The receiver is wonderfully engraved with a factory pattern established by famed master engraver Conrad Ulrich, who worked at Marlin from 1881-1910 and was performing most of the engraving for Marlin when this rifle shipped. Ulrich designed the engraving patterns that would be the standard for Marlin high end finishes. As identified by William Brophy, the right side of the receiver has the "typical engraving of the Model 1881 rifle period" consisting of plain borders, floral scrollwork on punch dot background, and a circular vignette of a running whitetail buck. Matching scrollwork and borders carry over to the left side of the receiver along with an inscription banner featuring the name "Clinton L. White." A deer bust in a circular panel is engraved on the bolt. The barrel is fitted with a Marble Sheard gold bead blade front sight and an elevation adjustable full buckhorn rear sight and has a top flat marked with the two-line Marlin legend ahead of the rear sight and "40 CAL" at the breech. The Malcolm scope has a nickel silver eyepiece and is mounted to the rifle by an adjustable Slotterbek and Lakeport marked base attached to the left side of the receiver over the engraving and an additional dovetail mounted on the top barrel flat towards the muzzle. William Malcolm of Syracuse, New York, listed his highly advanced telescopes for Marlin Model 1881s with the telescope mounted on the left side, which allowed for the regular sights to be used at the same time. California gunsmith Charles Slotterbek patented his telescope mount on October 8, 1878 (patent no. 208,765). According to Gerald Kelver in "100 Years of Shooters and Gunmakers of Single Shot Rifles," Slotterbek purchased more than 150 Malcolm Telescopes from William Malcolm, circa 1885-1895 (page 153). The Malcolm telescope and Slotterbek mount made for the perfect combination of late 19th century firearms tech that was taken advantage of by California target shooters and hunters as demonstrated on this rifle. The action is fitted with Marlin double set triggers. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are select walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 28 inch barrel in .40-60 caliber and set trigger as well as it being shipped on February 11, 1884. Although the high end finishes are not confirmed by the factory letter, the engraving, inscription, and deluxe checkered pistol grip stock are definitely factory. As noted Marlin expert William Brophy explained, "Unfortunately, the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not." Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 50% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. The receiver retains 50% original case colors with crisp engraving and inscription. The hammer and lever retains faded patterns of original case colors, and the buttplate has a smooth gray patina. The wood is also fine with minor dings and scratches and overall crisp checkering. The scope retains 40% of original blue finish and has hazy optics. Mechanically excellent. This factory engraved deluxe Model 1881 rifle with a Malcolm telescope on a Slotterbek mount is a standout piece of Marlin artistry made even more special as being inscribed to a prominent Sacramento resident. This rifle is certainly a testament to the western spirit well-deserving of the finest collection.