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16744 - Marlin 39
4/27/2024

Maker: Marlin, Model: 39, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
Hello I had a customer bring an older Model 39 into my store to figure out how old it is. On the tang it says Model 39 and then there is a star behind the model. The serial number has an S then followed by 4144. If I type in 4144 into your search I get it was made in 1883. If I use the lower search and just put the S in the query it gives me a 1958 to 1963 date. Any ideas on what my customer might have?

Answer:
Sorry, we cannot help with that one. Marlin serial numbers and production dates are a nightmare to try to figure out. Some are easy,

but others are impossible.

The model 39 was introduced in 1921, and the Model 39A in 1939. I suspect that the ``star`` after the model 39 on the tang is probably a poorly struck A. Apparently in 1939 they did not use a letter prefix, but used prefixes after that as explained here:

https://marlin-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1096

So, my guess is that it is a Model 39A made in 1939, or of the star is not an A, then it is a Model 39.

IF it is a Model 39 (not 39A) then a comment from page linked above indicates that the prefix ``S`` was used 1925-1932. I suspect that what you report as a ``5`` is actually an ``S`` prefix.

``The Marlin Model 39 was made in 3 different series from 1921 to 1939. The first series had a serial number with no letter prefix and was made between 1921 and 1925. The second series had the letter ``S`` as a prefix to the serial number and was made from 1925 to 1932. The last series was made from 1932 to 1939 and had a ``HS`` serial number prefix.

If your gun does not have a serial number prefix or the letter ``S`` prefix, then it is an earlier version, and you should not use modern, high speed ammunition in it. You should only use either standard velocity or target ammunition in it. The last version with the ``HS`` prefix are guns that were updated to use the new, high speed ammunition at the time.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16741 - Japanese Wakizashi Sword
4/20/2024

Maker: Sword, Model: Japanese Wakizashi, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
The museum up by the U told me to reach out for valuation on a Japanese Wakizashi sword surrendered in WW2.

Answer:
Unfortunately, Japanese swords are a highly specialized field with many arcane details requiring extensive study. Frankly, I never got interested in them and know almost nothing about them, so I cannot help much.

My limited knowledge is that the machine made Non-Commissioned Officer Katana ``Samurai swords`` are fairly common and not very valuable. There are slightly nicer officer machine mad swords which have more collector interest and value. Then you get into sometimes extremely old and potentially very valuable heirloom blades with ornate fittings and maker markings on the tangs.

If there is any history of where it was captured, and especially if there are any papers regarding whe/where it was obtained that adds to interest and value.

If you want to send some photos, I will be glad to see if there is anything I can add.

Unfortunately, I really do not have any contacts to recommend. You might try a reputable auction house. I like Centurion Auctions in Tallahassee, FL. Hope that helps, John Spangler

16740 - Marlin 22
4/13/2024

Maker: Marlin, Model: 1892, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have a marlin 22 lever action model#1892 w/a hexagon barrel Patents range from from1887 to1892. it`s in fait condition. just look for some idea what its worth. Thanks

Answer:
I would expect to find ones matching your description offered at a gun show at prices around $200 or so retail. Condition is really important and nicer ones would bring more. Hope that helps, John Spangler

16739 - Marlin 93
4/6/2024
Dave Greensburg PA USA

Maker: Marlin, Model: Model 93, Caliber: 32 Winchester Special, Barrel Length: 20, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: 9543

Markings:
Marlin Firearms Corporation special smokeless steel on barrel star on tang bullseye on stock

Question:
would like to know the date of manufacture or at least a good estimate

Answer:
Dave- The Model 93 was made from 1893 using the ``MOdel 1893`` name, and from 1920 to 1934 with the Model 93 designation.

They changed serial number policies several times during this period, soit is hard to date them very accurately. My guess would be sometime in the 1920s.

16691 - Win 1890
4/1/2024
Gerald Pigeon, MI.

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1890, Caliber: 22 Short, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 245019

Question:
I inherited a Winchester model 90 .22 Short, pump action with an octagon barrel. The serial number is 245019. It is in good condition and works well. Just normal wear. I would like to know the year it was made and maybe even an approximate value.

Answer:
Gerald. your 1890 was manufactured in 1905. For value, check Gun Broker (https://www.gunbroker.com/) for rifles like yours in similar condition that have sold (not rifles that have been listed but not sold). Marc

16734 - Rifle Ident
4/1/2024
Bobby

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
hello, i recently received an old bolt action rifle from my wife whose grandfather passed away, and there`s no make or model info on the rifle, only what i assume is the serial number 55592, i was hoping someone flcould help me get the info on this rifle

Answer:
Bobby- Thanks for the photos, they help a lot.

Your rifle is a WW2 Japanese Type 99 ``Arisaka`` rifle made by Nagoya Arsenal very late in the war. These were the standard Japanese military rifle of WW2, and huge numbers were brought home by veterans. Many, like this one, were altered for sporting use, (``sporterized``) which pretty much destroys collector value. They were made in 7,7mm Japanese caliber and ammunition is not readily available today.

The bolt is missing from this one, so cash value is almost nothing (maybe $25-35), as the parts you have just are not very useful. If you had the bolt that would add about $50 to the value for someone looking for bolt parts.

While this may have (or had) sentimental value to some family members, it really has no practical value today.

Unless some youngster wants something ``play army with`` or a youngster has some interest in history.

Hope that helps. John

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