Old Marlin, any value?

kludge · Sep 3, 2008

My dad had an old Marlin lever action in 38-55. I couldn't tell you who originally owned it, or the date of manufacture, but it has a 5 digit serial number and the last date on the barrel is 1880.

The stock was broken at some point at the grip and repaired (very ugly repair job) and the stock was inlaid with a "cross" and a "star" again very ugly. There is no finish on the receiver, if I were to guess it would be 30% on the barrel. The bore does not have strong rifling, in fact the last 1/2" or so does not appear to have any rifling. I didn't have a bore light with me, so I couldn't say what if any corrosion is in it.

My dad is long gone, but I remember him saying that the bullets tumbled. The action works but is quite stiff.

Does this gun have any value?

ronwill · Sep 3, 2008

The model number would help, but it sounds like a Model 1893. The 2007 Standard Catalog Of Firearms lists it at:

Poor - $275
Fair - $450
Good - $650

You can also try gunbroker and get some ideas.

ShakyJake · Sep 3, 2008

Hi Kludge,
Sounds more like the rifle that goes over the fireplace or place of honor in the den as the family thread through a few generations. Could be a great conversation starter. Then I am an old sentimentalist who wishes he had something like that. You got a start, sounds like it was a "black sheep" sorta if it was known to tumble bullets. Kept it for some reason. I would keep it exactly as is and proudly show it off. Sure would like to see some pics.

and it definitely qualifies for any of the Marlin threads as the Grand Lady in model and caliber.
TaKe CaRe
Ted

rangerruck · Sep 3, 2008

buying a in shape , old stock for it, would increase it's value. but still not over 1000 bucks, you may wanna bubba it, to get it to shoot...

kludge · Jan 22, 2009

A square 10 · Jan 22, 2009

right side of the stock kills it - its a left side out wall hanger unless by chance a buyer has the buttstock for it , otherwise its a fair rifle finish wise based on its age ,

there are those that collect these in the older calibers tho

ArmedBear · Jan 22, 2009

ronwill, not so fast. That's no 1893!

kludge- Neat! That's an 1881, the first Marlin lever gun, made from 1881-1892.

The 1888 was a shorter version for pistol cartridges, but it was never chambered for .38-55, which was too long for it.

All other Marlin lever guns, starting with the 1889, are side-eject. The early ones look like a modern 1894 or 39A, with a machined bolt that fits flush with the side and rear of the receiver, in a notch on the right side. The 1893 eventually acquired a round bolt instead, and became the modern 336. Still, anything from 1889 on is immediately recognizable as a Marlin lever rifle: the designs haven't changed much. The 1881 and 1888 are the odd men out.

A top eject Marlin in .38-55 can only be a Model 1881, built sometime between 1881 and 1892. This is much less common than an 1893!

1881

1893

Look here for more info: http://leverguns.com/

They have the history of Marlin levers, links to places that sell parts for antique Marlins, etc.

WRT the stock and the crude decorations, I've seen them in museums that way. No matter how ugly something is, if it was done by some cowboy or prospector in the 19th Century, suddenly it becomes historic, not tacky.

I'd hang it up as-is, or restore it but add the decorations back.

jmr40 · Jan 22, 2009

According to www.armscollectors.com it was made in 1886, if I read the SN correctly.

mnrivrat · Jan 22, 2009

It is indeed an 1881 model and has value as a collector ,even with the bad butt stock and worn out rifle barrel - the barrel can be sleeved and a relacement stock would make this a decent gun.

The values of old Marlis I have not kept up with, but I'm quite sure it is over $1,000 in its present state.

Old Marlin, any value?

kludge

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ronwill

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ShakyJake

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rangerruck

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kludge

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A square 10

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ArmedBear

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jmr40

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mnrivrat

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