i have a marlin pump that appears to be a model 30, exposed hammer, curved grip area on stock, checkered foregrip, engraved case, the barrel measures 30" and the mag is 16"; the only markings i can find are :
on barrel:
PAT'D NOV. 6, 1894. MAY 12, 1896 & JUNE 2, 1896
SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL
under loading chamber:
13216
it looks like the model 30 in the gun traders guide, but there is no A,B,C, or D designations, i am trying to identify this gun for value purposes. Any help with ID and value would be awesome.
Marlin shotgun ID help please
Moderators: Regnier (gunrunner), JohnK, Sure-Shot
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Regnier (gunrunner)
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- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 2:33 am
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Tokoma;
With those patent dates, and a serial number in the range given, you have a Marlin Model 1898 exposed hammer pump action shotgun. These were made from 1898 to 1905. You did not say, but it should be a 12 gauge shotgun.
If your receiver is engraved, your shotgun will be either a "C" or a "D" grade. If I had to guess, and I do so by the "Special Smokeless Steel" stamp on the barrel, you have a "C" grade. The "D" grade guns usually have Damascus barrels. If the engraving pattern on the left side has ducks flying, and the right side has a couple of pidgeons on the breech bolt, you definitely have a "C" grade gun.
Now, if you look at the barrel, you will find another serial number and a letter. The letter will be either an "M", "C" or an "F". This indicates the choke of the barrel. M = Modified C = Cylinder and F = Full. Do not be alarmed that the barrel number and the receiver number do not match. They never do on Marlin shotguns.
I hope this helps.
With those patent dates, and a serial number in the range given, you have a Marlin Model 1898 exposed hammer pump action shotgun. These were made from 1898 to 1905. You did not say, but it should be a 12 gauge shotgun.
If your receiver is engraved, your shotgun will be either a "C" or a "D" grade. If I had to guess, and I do so by the "Special Smokeless Steel" stamp on the barrel, you have a "C" grade. The "D" grade guns usually have Damascus barrels. If the engraving pattern on the left side has ducks flying, and the right side has a couple of pidgeons on the breech bolt, you definitely have a "C" grade gun.
Now, if you look at the barrel, you will find another serial number and a letter. The letter will be either an "M", "C" or an "F". This indicates the choke of the barrel. M = Modified C = Cylinder and F = Full. Do not be alarmed that the barrel number and the receiver number do not match. They never do on Marlin shotguns.
I hope this helps.
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Regnier (gunrunner)
- Distinguished Expert
- Posts: 4763
- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 2:33 am
- Location: The Sunflower State
Tokoma;
Value of antique firearms is dictated by the amount and condition of the remaining original factory finish on the wood and metal. Without knowing these conditions, it is not possible to give an accurate estimation of value at this time. No one here is usually willing to stick their neck out to give an evaluation without seeing the piece in question. I am sure you understand.
One thing I will say, most of the current price guides have these old Marlin shotguns underpriced. They are catching on to the collectors and the price it going up in most cases, especially the guns with some condition.
I hope this helps.
Value of antique firearms is dictated by the amount and condition of the remaining original factory finish on the wood and metal. Without knowing these conditions, it is not possible to give an accurate estimation of value at this time. No one here is usually willing to stick their neck out to give an evaluation without seeing the piece in question. I am sure you understand.
One thing I will say, most of the current price guides have these old Marlin shotguns underpriced. They are catching on to the collectors and the price it going up in most cases, especially the guns with some condition.
I hope this helps.