model 1892 with a nickel plated reciever

[slenig@att.net]

I am new to Marlin lever actions. Have aquired a model 1892 in 32 cal. Only has the centerfire firing pin. Serial number indicates 1900 manufacture or at least shipping, date. Has what appears to be a nickel plated reciever. Overall this rifle is in excellent condition and the finish on barrel, wood, reciever,etc. appears to be original ( has signs of use and wear). I was told that marlin never produced any 1892 model rifles with nickel plating and this must have been added later and therefore destroys any collector value. Does anyone out there have any information on this subject? Any insights would be helpful.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Slenig;

Whoever told you that Marlin did not make the Model 1892 with nickel plating is wrong. Plating was offered as an extra, and depending upon how much of the gun was plated, determined the extra cost.
Just to give you an idea, in 1897, nickel plated trimmings cost an additional $2.00. If you wanted your Model 1892 full nickel plated, it would have added another $3.00 to the cost.
I hope this helps.

[braidwoodsteve]

thank you for the information. I assume since this option was rather expensive ( $2 was 2 days wages for some folks back then) I was rather rare and therefore should increase the value of the rifle. Any ideas on the amount this would be??