Model 90 .22 hornet ovr .410

[MODEL 90]

I recently picked up a Marlin Model 90 .22 hornet over .410 at an auction. Except for not having the box, I would say it is an honest 95% gun. I looked at the Blue Book of Gun Values and it states that there were only 500 combination guns produced. I was wondering if anyone knew how many of each caliber were made? I do know that the one i have is an L prefix serial number which puts date of manufacture at 1954. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone would care to guess the value of such a firearm i would like to know your opinions. Thank you. Steve

[MODEL 90]

Here are some pictures. I hope this helps.

[Sure-Shot]

What a great find. Especially in that condition. I don't know if there are any actual numbers Brophy's book tells us that in 1939, a smaller-framed 410 was offered and at the same time the combination guns, 22long/410, 22Hornet/410, 218 Bee/410 were made and a very few 30-30/20ga but that never went into full production. In a quick review I did not see any other information on numbers for the combo guns. Brophy's book, Marlin Firearms, A History Of The Guns And The Company That Made Them, is the best book I know of on Marlins. If you wait for some of the other folks to check in I know there are several who collect statistics so perhaps one of them will know. Again great find. If you ever decide to sell send me an email please.

[Parley Baer]

Yes great find. They are scarce no matter what. The .22/410 is the most common of the group and they are scarce in themselves. You don't see them showing up for sale very often.

[JohnK]

Wow.. That's an extremely rare combo gun! I used to be on the lookout for them, but could never find one that anyone would part with for less than $1k. I gave up the hunt, but you have a beauty that gets me wondering if I should start looking around again.

I know they are rare and the 22 hornet makes it even more desirable.

Congratulations on your find!!!

[chrifle]

Incredible find! Brophy also stated that the .218 Bee and .22 Hornet combos were made to order only, so probably less than 10-15% of the total manufactured are in those calibers? Likely built 1939-1940, not as the letter designation suggests (that system is only valid for lever action Model 336 & 39 families). The .410 was listed intermittently in catalogs of the 1940's. You would have no trouble attracting a wealth of suitors for that gun...

[MODEL 90]

Well for anyone that's interested, it is on Gunbroker. Auction #125634232. Thanks for all of your interest.

[Punklp]

The combo gun you have is very scarce and those with the engraved receivers are very hard to find and very early in production. These are prewar guns. I note you say the serial number has an "L" prefix. This is probably a "1" not an "L" as the die Marlin used for the "1" looks like an "L". I have had several of these and they were all pre-war with the "L" looking serial number that is actually a "1".