Marlin built these from around 1872 to 1887. The XXX stands for .30 Caliber rimfire.  This one is factory engraved with nickel plating and rosewood grips.  The left side of the barrel is marked "JM MARLIN NEW-HAVEN.CT.PAT JULY.1 1873".  The engraving features floral vignettes with punch dot reliefs.  Borders on the outside of the engraving are alternating punched dots and fingernail-shaped cuts with engraving.  A fairly nice pattern for an 1870's vintage pocket pistol.  Overall, there is 85% original nickel remaining on the gun with the balance turned to a dark patina on the barrel/cylinder, or a light mellow patina on the brass frame where the finish on the vignettes has thinned a bit.  Nice rosewood grips with 85% original piano varnish remaining with a nice rich reddish brown hue.  The action works nicely and the bore has good rifling with a few obligatory scattered pits that most 1870-90's black powder cartridge guns usually seem to inherit.   A nicely engraved and rather attractive early little Marlin revolver.

Item# 0529

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