Marlin Model 39 Mfg Date/Value

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sentinel89

sentinel89

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Good afternoon,

A friend of mine who's wife wanted his friearms out of the house just sold me a Marlin model 39 .22 S, L and LR for $100. He sold it to me because I am a shooter and a product designer for a local firearms manufacterer, but I am far from a expert on old firearms.

It has an octagon barrel, has a case colored receiver and a takedown screw on the right side of the receiver. The case colors are fading on the right side, but the left side is beautiful. The barrel retains musch of it's original bluing, but has spots of light rust with no pitting. The mag tube is the same. The bore is shiny and rifling is strong. The wood has dings and scratches but no cracks. The screw on the left side of the forend cap is missing. The remaining screw heads aren't buggered up. It does not have a "star" on the tang, which I was told is a symbol of higher quality rifles. Overall, I guess I'd rate it about 60%.

I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. First is date of manufacture - serial number is 16XX. I thought these were made from 1922-1938, but I can't find serial number dates anywhere. Second is value - was this any kind of a bargain? Third is if I clean the rust up with Flitz, will that affect value, or should I just wipe her down with some Kroil? Do you know where I might be able to find an original screw for the forend cap? Lastly, is this only safe with standard velocity ammo?

It's a neat little rifle and a great piece of old world craftsmanship. It will make a nice addition to my collection.

Thanks for your time and have an excellent weekend. Your insight and knowledge is greatly appreciated.
 


I'll hazard a guess and say your model 39 was made in 1922. Please recheck for a two letter or S prefix. Chances are it could have a Blue Book value of close to a grand.
​
 
Hi Sam,

Thanks for the info. This rifle has no letters in the prefix. The serial number 16XX is just forward of the front of the lever. Close to a grand in value? Are you serious??
 


Very serious. A Model 39 in 60% condition in my 26th edition of the Blue Book is shown as $975. A Model 39A, first model, is shown as $500. The 39A, 2nd model with B prefix (1940-45) is listed at $395. Those older Model 39s are not inexpensive...
​
 
Try e-mailing Bob's about parts. Like the site says "Be patient, we're swamped." www.gun-parts.com/marlin

I don't know if Numrich/egunparts has any or not.

I'd start soaking the rust with oil and gentle blotting/rubbing with a patch after it soaks. There's no hurry, just keep the oil off the wood.

Nice gun. I believe the early ones are standard-ammo-only.

Somebody is asking $1950 for this one. I'd have to see it up close though before paying anywhere near that much. http://merzantique.com/photo.php?id=2193_0_2_49_M25

John
 
Pics of the Marlin 39

Here are a couple of pics. Thanks for your time and cooperation. I had no idea it was worth this much. The outside of the barrel and mag tube are the worst pats. I'll try buffing some rust out with an oily rag, maybe it will help. I appreciate your time and cooperation.
 
Where are the exclamation points in this thread? There have got to be exclamation points. Here's some:

You bought an original Model 39 for $100?!!
A 4 digit serial numbered 39 with an octagonal barrel?!!! For $100?!!!!

I would say that the bidding should start well above $1,000 for it since it appears to be in pretty good condition. Could easily be worth well over $2,000.

I'll try buffing some rust out with an oily rag, maybe it will help.
Click to expand...
A caution - go easy on any touching up or buffing you might be tempted to try, you could regret it later if you don't know exactly what you're doing especially when it comes to the color case hardened receiver.
 
Update on Marlin Model 39

Chalk this up to good luck and being in the right place at the right time...

After viewing the posts about this rifle, I went out to the bookstore and purchased The Blue Book of Gun Values Twenty Ninth Edition. I let my neighbor know the tru value, which at 60% is at $1300. He told me he didn't care what it was worth (same with the Winchester 1892 I posted about), he just wanted them out of the house so his wife would stay off his back about them.

We're not great friends, but we've been neighbors for the past 4 years and have helped each other out with home improvements, borrowing tools, the occasional party, etc. He's a good guy, but his wife is... shall we say... difficult at times.

I drive by their house whenever I leave mine as they are the last house on our dirt road. And since last year, I have had to close my eyes for fear of puking at the Hillary '08 sign she proudly sports at the end of the driveway. So that explains the gun attitude she has.

If you believe in Karma, then this is my payment for all those early mornings seeing that sign planted out front on my way to work. Thankfully, it's not going to be there for much longer...

I'm gonna grill him a nice T-bone and get him a case of Sam Adams. Only veggies and wine for her though... are you surprised??

Thanks again for all your help, advice and info. I'm definitely keeping this Marlin, although the 1892 I may part with.
 
OK, now Your president of the "THR marlin club."
P.S. your rifle looks to be in much better condition than 60%, say closer to 75%-80%, good bore and strong colors on a gun of that age..unbelievable!
 
Ivory Front Sight?

The front sight on this model 39 has what looked like white plastic. On another thread I was told it's probably ivory becuase the rifle is 1922 production. Is there any way to tell the difference?

I just wanted to say thanks again for all your help, knowledge and insight. You have been corresponding with a guy who is a modern firearms enthusiast, and the most valuable piece in my safe was a S/A M1A Scout/Squad.

These two purchases are now the centerpieces of my collection. I seriously doubt I'll have another find like these in my lifetime, but now I will keep my eyes and ears extra open just in case.
 
I have no doubt it's ivory if the entire sight looks to be original.

Here's a nice gun advertised with an ivory bead.

www.armsbid.com/8CR-rifles-rev.htm

"Lot #464 - Marlin - Model 39 - High Grade lever action takedown rifle - .22 S,L,LR; 24” oct. barrel - Condition is excellent plus. - 98-99% blue on barrel & excellent case color on frame & lever. Light handling & usage marks to excellent plus stock. Buckhorn rear & ivory bead front sights. Six pointed star w/ dot in middle on rear of tang is believed to be factory marking for a High - Early guns with S prefix s/n should not be fired with modern high speed ammo. - [8jbop-1] - s/n S16684 - C&R ffl - (est.1250 to 2500)"

Aw, what the heck...

464.jpg
 
Yes sir, you have a true model 39. It started off as the 1892 and then changed to the 1897. After WW1 it came back as the 39. It was made from 1922 until 1936. After that it came back as the 39A. Marlins record keeping was very bad. As I understand it the serial numbers started from 1 to 10,000. Then for some reason they started adding an "S" to the serial number. I have one that is numbered "S948" The "S" are the one's that will not shoot high vilocity rounds. They then changed to the "HS" after they had fixed that problem by strenghtening the bolt. Maybe it is "S' for standard and "HS" for high speed. I wonder why they changed it in the first place? I see them on many of the gun auction boards for anywhere from $600 to $3,000. Some are pristine and some are junk. I paid $800 for mine and I think it is in exellant condition, comparitavely. A fellow names Col. Wm. Brophy wrote a book about Marlin Guns and the Co. That's where I got my information from. The book is about $65 so I borrowed one from my local library. Mr. Brophy admits their are some errors in his book but it's the only one there is.
Your a mighty lucky man. Take care, James
 
Do nothing to the rifle. Shoot it and enjoy it and keep it in the family.

If he was willing to part with it for $100, then that is that. At least he sold it to someone who would enjoy it rather than throw it out at a gun trade in.
 
I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JEALOUS that I can't stand it! WOW, you are a lucky, lucky, lucky man. Beautiful rifle, and a heck of a deal.
 
I was searching for info about my newly purchased Marlin 22 lever action 1970 100 th anniversary gun and found this site.I have always wanted a lever action 22 and was thrilled to find this one at what looks to be a very cheap price.I was offered 3 times what I paid for it by the first person that saw it.We love guns and older guns are extra special.I'm gonna try and post some pics and see if you good folks can tell me if I really did get a good deal.It doesn't really matter what the books say on value,its mine now and I will pass it on the our kids or grandkids someday.
 
" Marlin Model 39" Any idea on age and value?

I've been asked to do a little detective work for a friend and am not quite sure if I've landed on the right information. Any help would sure be appreciated.

I'm trying to find the age and approx. value of a Marlin Model 39 Rimfire. The picture I have of it is rather blurry but it "appears" to be in good condition, actual % value is unknown at this time, I'm working on that. It's a lever action, 22 rimfire, 24" Octagonal Barrel, nice wood stock and forearm. The serial # is S87X.

The 29th Edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values doesn't give me any serial # references, just values in general. Without a manufacturing date, all I can do is guess. I did find one online Marlin search site and it indicated that all Marlin 39's with an S prefix were made in 1958 - 59. That doesn't seem correct but I'm not sure about anything right now! Thanks in advance for any info!!

Tig
 
I posted all the information on the Marlin 39 Club thread, including pics. Let me know if you have trouble finding it. I believe I got it posted correctly. I'm anxious to hear what everyone has to say! Thanks alot!!

Tig
 
Marlin 39

Marlin Model 39 S and Star

I have been looking for a 22 rifle my girlfriend will feel comfortable shooting. She had never shot a gun except once at an indoor range with me. I decided on a Browning Auto but do not like auto. I prefer a single shot drop block or at least a bolt. Neither of us like anything new. We shop Goodwill for everything as it is the only way to BUY AMERICAN. I only buy used and American or from Italy or Portugal. More choices in guns i.e. Spain or England.

Yesterday at a show I found a Marlin 39 with Star and Sxxxx serial number. The wood was fabulous burled walnut with not a scratch on the rear stock. The front was straight walnut had a few minor indents in 1/16" ths. Only the front had been refinished. No checkering which I prefer. I want to see the wood. One look and I was sold. The vendor was asking $850. I knew it a deal but got my books. He said he had not looked it up then saw $1300 to 3000.

We took it apart. Not a touch of even dirt except lint in the barrel. No slight damage to the screws. Well oiled. The desired half inch of bluing wear on the barrel end meaning it was actually used but totally loved. I jokingly asked if he would take $800 and not raise it to $1600 after seeing the book. He went to $800. Said he had $700 in it in trades. His reason was similar to the $100 Model 39 in this thread. Sell it to someone who will care for it and appreciate it.

I wanted a lever action in something and the 1873 in 44-40 was my choice except for the $$$$$, wanted an Octagonal barrel. Got everything I want.

He said 1924. I am guessing 1922 but not sure on the S serial dates.

As to value the rear stock only is worth $800 to me. I have traded equity stocks for 15 years. When people ask what to buy I say buy the S&P 500 in a Roth IRA and never look. Then in Aug 2007 I sold everything. My girlfriend asked me what is the difference in a rifle, shotgun and pistol. I had been out of guns since 1967. As kids we traded guns like others trade baseball cards. I jokingly got her a gun display book. She got hooked on the antique guns. We go to the shows only to look but at times like yesterday action is better than caution. After seeing the prices since 1967 I now tell people to buy Walnut Stocks. Why look at a piece of paper when you can touch something so fine. No paper pushing criminals to steal my money.
 
Marlin 39

Marlin Model 39 S and Star

I have been looking for a 22 rifle my girlfriend will feel comfortable shooting. She had never shot a gun except once at an indoor range with me. I decided on a Browning Auto but do not like auto. I prefer a single shot drop block or at least a bolt. Neither of us like anything new. We shop Goodwill for everything as it is the only way to BUY AMERICAN. I only buy used and American or from Italy or Portugal. More choices in guns i.e. Spain or England.

Yesterday at a show I found a Marlin 39 with Star and Sxxxx serial number. The wood was fabulous burled walnut with not a scratch on the rear stock. The front was straight walnut had a few minor indents in 1/16" ths. Only the front had been refinished. No checkering which I prefer. I want to see the wood. One look and I was sold. The vendor was asking $850. I knew it a deal but got my books. He said he had not looked it up then saw $1300 to 3000.

We took it apart. Not a touch of even dirt except lint in the barrel. No slight damage to the screws. Well oiled. The desired half inch of bluing wear on the barrel end meaning it was actually used but totally loved. I jokingly asked if he would take $800 and not raise it to $1600 after seeing the book. He went to $800. Said he had $700 in it in trades. His reason was similar to the $100 Model 39 in this thread. Sell it to someone who will care for it and appreciate it.

I wanted a lever action in something and the 1873 in 44-40 was my choice except for the $$$$$, wanted an Octagonal barrel. Got everything I want.

He said 1924. I am guessing 1922 but not sure on the S serial dates.

As to value the rear stock only is worth $800 to me. I have traded equity stocks for 15 years. When people ask what to buy I say buy the S&P 500 in a Roth IRA and never look. Then in Aug 2007 I sold everything. My girlfriend asked me what is the difference in a rifle, shotgun and pistol. I had been out of guns since 1967. As kids we traded guns like others trade baseball cards. I jokingly got her a gun display book. She got hooked on the antique guns. We go to the shows only to look but at times like yesterday action is better than caution. After seeing the prices since 1967 I now tell people to buy Walnut Stocks. Why look at a piece of paper when you can touch something so fine. No paper pushing criminals to steal my money.
 
Model 39 "Century" model..........

I just recently purchased a model 39 Century Model. I would love to find out a few things, since I know little about it. Here's what I do know:

1- It has a 4 digit serial number (8XXX); and made in 1970.
2- Metal is almost perfect, its been in a safe for almost 40 years.
3- I don't know whether to shoot it or put it in the safe
4- Value?
5- Where can I purchase an inner magazine tube for this rifle?

I'd appreciate any information, suggestions.

Thanks,

HV in SC:D
 

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Here's some places to ask about inner magazine tubes.
What you need is a carbine inner tube. These models were sold as Mountie carbines, of which the Century Limited is just a fancy version.

You'll have to call most places for availability:

http://www.jackfirstgun.com/

You can also buy a rifle length tube and cut it down, or you can buy a kit from Brownell's and assemble a tube.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=25062/Product/_22_MAGAZINE_TUBE_KIT_NO__2

It's also very possible that Marlin might still have carbine tubes.
 
Model 39 with scope

Hi

I picked up a mdl 39 SN 18xxx Thetang does have an "H S" on it but it's not but it's not real close to the SN so I'm not sure if it's part of the SN. It's in real good shape, got some wear but no rust. It hass the octaganal barrel and shoots well. But it has a scope mounted on it. It's an old mdl 293 Weaver. The mount is taped with thumb screws going into the case of the gun. It may have been put on by a gun smith.

My question is:

1 how old is this?
2 could this scope be a factory add on?
3 How bad would it affect the value and is it worth repairing

Thanks for any input
 
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