Value of old Marlin

[flaold]

Just found an octgonal barrel Marlin .38-W (38-40?). Reasearch dates to 1893,looks new,great shape.Is it a shooter, or a wall hanger?I have this problem of hunting with anything I own at least once in a while. Seems lever shot venison tastes better.Seller wants $1300,awfully high to tote in the woods but the holidays and my birthday are coming up soon.

[O.S.O.K.]

In condition you state, IMHO that's a great price. Sure about the date? That sounds like the model number... If you have the serial number, you can date it here: http://armscollectors.com/sn/marlinlookup.php

Oh and that will take whitetail but you'll need to keep the range close - like 75 yards. .38 W is probably .38 WCF or yes, 38-40. 180 grain 40 caliber bullet at around 1200 fps from the carbine.

[jdad]

It sounds like a Model 1889. Does it have a little latch that the back edge of the lever locks onto? The top tang should not have any model designation either....IIRC

It better be in 90% or better condtion, with a 28" barrel and mint bore, for that price. The 38-40 was the most common 1889 caliber, as was a 24" barrel. If it's a "brown" shooter, with a fair to good bore, then it's probably $500 high

[marlinman93]

Sounds like a great buy, IF the finish is that good, and IF it's original finish! Very unusual to find a 1889 in that kind of shape, and I would expect it to have some good case colors on the buttplate and lever with that much bluing condition. I'd sure enjoy seeing pictures!-Vall