Marlin pump shotgun 1898?

[norrleif]

I am wondering about model for my grandfather's old Marlin pump shotgun and it is a 12 gauge with serial number 3904. My grandfather received this shotgun from his uncle that brought it from USA about 1905. There are no model codes on it but there are following stamped on the top of the barrel:
Marlin Fire-Arms. Co, New Haven OT. U.S.A.
PAT. D Nov 6, 1894, May 12. 1896 & June 2. 1896.
Is this an early 1898 model or?
Thanks, Leif

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Leif;

With those patent dates, no model marking, and that low a serial number, it is definitely an early Model 1898, exposed hammer pump action shotgun.
I would advise you not to shoot this shotgun as it is an early version that did not have the patented "Hang Fire Safety" release on the side of the receiver. This was an extra precaution Marlin came up with on later Model 1898's. Even with the safety release on the later guns, there can be situations where the safety does not work properly and make the gun unsafe to shoot. I would just hang your grandfather's gun on the wall and admire it for what it is, a piece of family history.