Just picked up a really nice example of this model, to find the serial number as #16XX - same on the bottom of the receiver as on the side of the upper tang. Since this number (in Marlin's scheme of things) dates prior to 1883, would I be right to assume this is one of those guns that was made 1906-1916, when records - and maybe serial numbers - didn't matter a lot to the company? Thanks for your time, folks.
Miker
New (to me) 1894 in 38-40
Moderators: Regnier (gunrunner), JohnK, Sure-Shot
-
- Distinguished Expert
- Posts: 4670
- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 2:33 am
- Location: The Sunflower State
Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40
Miker;
As the old saying goes; Location, location, location! Is the serial number located under the lever, or is it up, near the forearm? Makes a difference as to when it was made.
As the old saying goes; Location, location, location! Is the serial number located under the lever, or is it up, near the forearm? Makes a difference as to when it was made.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!
The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.
If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.
If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
- marlinman93
- Distinguished Expert
- Posts: 2857
- Joined: Sun Nov 10, 2002 1:22 pm
- Location: Portland, Oregon
Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40
Also makes a difference in the size of the font if it's by the forearm. A lot were assembled after WWI with newly stamped serial numbers in that range.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40
The serial number is stamped up near the forearm, and also on the left side of the rear tang, behind the hammer:
The font is fairly large, and it looks like it was done by hand, as the numbers are kinda crooked in the line.
Miker
The font is fairly large, and it looks like it was done by hand, as the numbers are kinda crooked in the line.
Miker
Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40
Well, apparently I can no longer post photos from Tinypic ... hmmmm. What I've managed to find out so far. The gun is marked "Model '94", meaning it is post-1908, and does not have the bullseye on the stock, meaning it is pre-1926. It has a heavy barrel, and has a star stamped on the rear of the upper tang, which, according to Brophy's book, is the factory marking for an especially accurate rifle.