North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Wild West Wonders: May Collector's Auction Event

Sat, May 18, 2024 11:00AM EDT
Lot 231

C. 1911- Marlin Model 20 .22 Short Pump Rifle

Estimate: $750 - $1,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Exceptionally rare Marlin Model 20-A .22 SHORT CALIBER GALLERY GUN. The Model 20-A pump action rim fire rifle was typically made to accept .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle cartridges. Only the Model 20-A Gallery Model was chambered for .22 Short only. This limited production special rifle is rarely encountered today. The Model 20-A was made from 1911-1922. This example with serial number 5328 (located on the inside of the tang under the wood stock) is in fine condition considering that Gallery Guns typically saw very hard use, and often abuse, at carnivals and fairs across the country. They were rarely cleaned or maintained and usually saw thousands of rounds fired each year. This rifle has correct Marlin markings on the upper tang (partially worn from years of handling and shooting!) and on the correct 23” octagon barrel top with the last patent date of 1904. It sports the original small buckhorn rear sight with blade front sight. The barrel retains fine aged blue while the magazine tube shows an uncleaned very aged blue/brown patina. The receiver is mainly an uncleaned gray with some very small traces of aged blue in the most protected areas. The action functions fine and the hammer displays a firm and solid half-cock safety notch. It appears that only the magazine spring cap/follower is missing (the spring is intact) and should be easy to replace. Surprisingly, the stock and forearm are free from cracks or chips and shows good wood to metal fit. The barrel is clearly caliber stamped “22 S” at the breech end on the left side octagon flat. As is us usual for shooting-gallery guns in general, the bore on this rare Marlin is dark and shows heavy wear from early corrosive .22 Short Gallery ammunition. With octagon barrel, walnut stock and curved crescent butt plate and takedown feature, this Marlin Gallery Gun congers images of warm summer nights at county fairs in the pre and post World War I era when shooting galleries represented good American fun instead of the perceived threats that they would represent today. A chance to own a true piece of early 20th Century Americana! The rifle weighs 4lbs 10oz. Serial Number: 5326. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic firearm, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.

After you have succeessfully completed your purchase, including payment of your item, the shipping process will begin. Our company has partnered with a few local third party shipping vendors. Shipping will be handled between these third party business and the buyer. Auction company is not responsible for shipment or any duties there-in unless stated below. Firearms will be shipped by our company. Once you invoice has been paid for contact Mark at 800-686-4216 ext. 3 for shipping infomation on firearms. After your invoice has been paid one of the below third party shippers will pickup your items. Once these companies have created a shipping quote for you they will contract you using the contact information you have provided on your auction registration. Make sure to include the shipping address and correct contact information for a success shipping experience. For questions on shipping please contract the companies below or JoEllen at 800-686-4216 ext. 1 For shipping quotes please contract the companies below: "The UPS Store” #2420 1106 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-222-4971 Fax: 406-222-9257 Email: store2420@theupsstore.com Postal Annex 280 West Kagy Boulevard D, Bozeman, MT 59715 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-219-2210 Fax: 406-219-2209 Email: pa14012@postalannex.com