Marlin 1897 with nickel finish

[orpington]

I have a Marlin 1897 .22 RF rifle dating from July of 1901. I am a long-time collector of Winchesters and Colts, but not so much Marlins as they lack the interest of other makers. Nonetheless, looking at the nickel finish as compared to a Colt from 1901, it looks to be 115 years old, and not a nickel after-market. I have no photos readily available at this time. Nonetheless, the factory letter makes no mention of a nickel finish. Should I suspect a nickel finish after production or is it common for factory letters not to mention a nickel finish?

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Orpington;

The old Marlin factory records seldom mention any plating, either silver, gold or nickel. The records seldom mention engraving or checking for that matter.
If the nickel looks like it is over 100 years old, then it probably is and was applied at the factory. A person familiar with Marlin plating should look at it for confirmation.

[orpington]

Thank you, Regnier. I had heard that Marlin records tended to lack mentioning many features, which is surprising. I just wanted confirmation of that. In time, maybe I will get around to posting photographs of this rifle.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Orpington;

Look forward to seeing your rifle.