Marlin Model 39

[vwallace77]

I inherited an old Marlin Model 39 from my father. He told me he traded a fly rod and reel for in in the late 1950’s.
He absolutely loved this gun and carried it everywhere when I was a kid growing up.
The serial number is HS4533. Can anyone tell me when it was produced?
Thanks,
Vince

[No1_49er]

The only reference that I can find which shows a two letter sequence in the serial number is for non-39's, where the number is on the side of the barrel.
A=Jan thru L=Dec. For years, F=1962 thru L=1968. My reference does not extend beyond 1968.
Extrapolation beyond L/1968 doesn't work because from late 68 till 73, the first two characters of the serial number were the year, i.e. 68 = 68 thru 73 = 73.
Then, in 73 the number sequencing changed again to the year plus the first two digits = 2000.

Meaning? I have no idea what the HS is. Maybe a high res' picture might help?

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Vwallace77;

The "HS" serial number for the Marlin Model 39 was used from 1932 to 1939. Prior to 1932, there was an "S" prefix ( 1925 to 1932) and before that the Model 39 serial numbers had no prefix. ( 1921 to 1925 )
The "HS" prefix stands for High Speed. 1932 was about the time the new, modern high speed ammunition was introduced in the .22 caliber cartridges, so Marlin had to change the breech bolt in the Model 39 so as not to crack when using the new high speed ammunition. Prior to that, the breech bolt of the Model 39 was susceptible to cracking if using the high speed ammunition.
Your rifle with a serial number just above 4,000 probably was made around 1926.

No_49er:
After 1973, you subtracted the the first two digits of the serial number from 100 to attain the year of manufacture. i.e. 100 - 17 = 83 or 1983

[marlinman93]

Vwallace77;

Your rifle with a serial number just above 4,000 probably was made around 1926.

Is this an error Rick? Since his serial number has the HS prefix, and is above 4,000 it would have to be after 1932, not 1926.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Vall;

YES, I forgot to include the "HS" prefix factor!!! You are correct about the date.