marlin model 1894 44W

[bulltrout]

This gun has been in the family for over 100 yrs and I would like to know if it is a valuable gun or just worth sentimental reasons. The serial # is 113646 and has 2 patent dates and the barrel is 23 1/2 inches from tip to front of receiver. All stamping is readable and is in very good condition.. Does anyone have any other info as in how many were produced etc. I searched the serial # and it appears to have been made in 1894. Any info would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks so much

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Bulltrout;

You are correct about your gun being shipped in 1894. I checked the serial number records, but alas, your serial number is blank, no information listed.
With just two patent dates, you have an early Model 1894 as most Model 1894's have three patent dates. Your Model 1894 has a Model 1889 barrel in it that was being used up from the inventory of 1889 barrels in the early Model 1894's.
According to Brophy, there were 10,738 Model 1894 carbines, 35,948 rifles and 152 Model 1894 muskets listed in the old factory records, that exist that cover the Model 1894 from 1894 to December of 1906. Now, Marlin made the Model 1894 and '94 up to 1916, then again from 1921 to 1933, and there is no record of how many were made between 1907 and 1916 and 1921 and 1933. So,in reality, we do now know just how many were actually made overall.
As to value, you might check places like Guns International or Guns America to find a gun in similar condition to see how they are priced. You can watch auction sites like Gun Broker or Auction Arms to see what kind of prices the guns at auction actually bring there.
Good luck......

[bulltrout]

Thanks very much for the info, I at least have some background now. I don't plan on selling it, but was kinda looking as to a ballpark price for insurance purposes. It was just given to me by my father and 3 yrs ago, our house burned down and we took quite a beating from insurance as I didn't have my ducks in order...Thanks again

[baileybill]

Bulltrout;

You are correct about your gun being shipped in 1894. I checked the serial number records, but alas, your serial number is blank, no information listed.
With just two patent dates, you have an early Model 1894 as most Model 1894's have three patent dates. Your Model 1894 has a Model 1889 barrel in it that was being used up from the inventory of 1889 barrels in the early Model 1894's.
According to Brophy, there were 10,738 Model 1894 carbines, 35,948 rifles and 152 Model 1894 muskets listed in the old factory records, that exist that cover the Model 1894 from 1894 to December of 1906. Now, Marlin made the Model 1894 and '94 up to 1916, then again from 1921 to 1933, and there is no record of how many were made between 1907 and 1916 and 1921 and 1933. So,in reality, we do now know just how many were actually made overall.
As to value, you might check places like Guns International or Guns America to find a gun in similar condition to see how they are priced. You can watch auction sites like Gun Broker or Auction Arms to see what kind of prices the guns at auction actually bring there.
Good luck......

please excuse this question
you quoted BROPHY.....who or what is Brophy

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Baileybill;

Brophy is William S. Brophy that wrote the book on Marlin in 1989. The book is titled "MARLIN FIREARMS, A History of the Guns and the Company that made them".
Anyone interested in Marlins should have a copy of the book.