Marin 39 Octogon Barrel

[oonin]

I have a chance to pick up a 1930's vintage Marlin 39 "S" prefix and octogon barrel. The gun is in excellant condition with perfect wood. But...it has been refinished blue. A fantastic job but no longer has the case colors on the lever and receiver. I can pick this gun up for under $600. How much did the refinish in blue hurt the value? This gun was completely restored...except the case colors. Now all blue...and a very high polish. Rich, old Colt Python looking blue, not sprayed on looking. The original peep site on top of the stock behind the trigger has been replaced with a modern reproduction. Blue Book says $1300 for a 60% gun. Is a nice restoration in blue 60% or is it less. I know the Blue Book doesn't write a check, but we all look at it for some kind of a starting point.

 

[Jim Watson]

As the very advanced S&W and Winchester collector here used to say, 100% refinish is Zero original finish. Accurately restored guns are getting to be acceptable now, but an inauthentic blue job, however well done, is not going to do anything good for the value.

I don't know about the dollar value, but it sounds like a handsome rifle. How bad do you want it? What else would you buy with the same money?