Help Dating a Marlin 1898

[nhshooter]

Hello,

I am trying to find the manufacturing date for a Marlin 1898. It was recently handed down to me by my Uncle, who tells me it has been owned (and used) by my grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather. I've broken it down, wiped out the crud, and given it a light oiling, but haven't done any real cleaning yet. All of the mechanicals are 100% on first inspection. It doesn't have any real rust, just a reddish-brown patina over all the metal parts which I think would wipe off with some Kroil and bronze wool.

The serial number is 3696. The patent dates on the barrel are Nov 6 1894, May 12 1896 and June 2, 1896.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Some Pics:
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00423.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00434.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00443.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00455.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00472.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00483.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00493.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00514.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00525.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/DSC_00542.jpg

[kenl]

Nice looking shotgun.

Can't help you with the date, but thank you for all of the photos. They'll help when I work on my similar vintage 1898. If possible, can you post a picture of the assembled left-hand side receiver/barrel interface, and the barrel end of the mag. tube, assembled.

Thanks!

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

NHshooter;

That low a serial number will make your Model 1898 shotgun a first year gun, 1898.
It is an early gun made without the patented "Hang Fire Safety" release button found on other Model 1898's made the next year. You should use some caution if you intend to shoot this early version as it does not have the safety features as found on the later guns.
I hope this helps.

[nhshooter]

Gunrunner - Thanks so much for the information!

Kenl - Here is the left side. Not sure which other view you were looking for.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/547/left_side5.jpg

Thanks!