Looking for opinions, info on this 1893 marlin

[Bearskinner]

One from my uncles estate, I grab a few at a time and sell them for my aunt. It’s a beautiful Levergun, but don’t know much on the history. I’m sure the stock must have been refinished, it’s too nice. I know ( from old family stories) the rifle was kept in the cabin, for decades. At one time, moisture on the floor, rusted the barrel end ( most have been stored barrel down) and it was replaced with a late model barrel ( a model 36 is still 80-100 years old) the rear sight is obviously a new marbles.
I have cycled ammo thru it, but have not shot it. All seems great. Anyone collect these 100+ year old rifles, and possibly have a original barrel to swap back on it, I would think it would make someone a great toy. I would like it to go to someone with appreciation of this old warhorse. Ideas on current value, thoughts etc? Guess I’ll list them on GB, snd see what it brings, unless someone on here collects and has interest. Here’s a bunch of pics…..

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[Bearskinner]

More pics……

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[marlinman93]

Your guess on the stocks being refinished is correct. I can see where they've been sanded where they meet the metal and edges rolled over. The newer barrel indeed does affect value quite a bit, and it's possible the mag tube was also replaced, or shortened to work with the new barrel too.
What's very unusual is the fact it's a takedown, and that's a big plus. But someone filed the takedown lever off and made it smooth, which makes taking it down impossible without marring the mechanism. It can be easily fixed by carefully opening the lever up, and removing the wedge, and have it built up with weld. But since the mag tube is also missing the takedown mechanism for the end of the tube, it's probably best to forget repairing the takedown lever.
As it is now, it's a great takedown action, but to restore it would require a lot of parts. First being a takedown barrel, as they're different than a solid frame barrel at the threaded end. Then the non existent takedown mag tube parts. And finally new stocks. So in this case anyone buying it should leave it alone and just shoot it as it is.
The market at GB will likely see better results than just selling it outright. If I saw this at a gun show I'd expect to see around $500 on it, and likely get sold for an offer less than that.
The serial number shows this is an "antique" as it's pre 170,000 which is 1898 or earlier. So guessing it's 1897-98 period.

[44shooter]

Pretty nice looking shooter. Too much going on for serious collectors. Marlinman’s assessment is about in line for what I might pay just to have a working example of the action that I would be comfortable taking hunting and shooting. I agree with leaving it as is.

[Walt]

Great assessment and observations, Marlinman! I never would have caught all that.

[Bearskinner]

That’s a lots of great information. I wondered how hard original parts would be to bring it back to original. I have not worked with a take down before, so not familiar with the parts needed. Looks like it’s best to let it head on down the road to a new family. Thank You for the information, there’s a wealth of knowledge here, Michael

[Rimfire McNutjob]

But someone filed the takedown lever off and made it smooth, which makes taking it down impossible without marring the mechanism.

I though it looked odd but I couldn't put my finger on it. That's it though ... where did the latch go. Nice catch.

[marlinman93]

But someone filed the takedown lever off and made it smooth, which makes taking it down impossible without marring the mechanism.

I though it looked odd but I couldn't put my finger on it. That's it though ... where did the latch go. Nice catch.

Marlin made 3 different length takedown levers. One was very long at about 5/16" or so, a 2nd was about 3/16" long, and the short or "flush" was just a small bump you could push with your thumb. The medium sized one was the most commonly seen, and then the short. The very long one was the best, and easiest to use, but for whatever reason it's the rarest variation. I have an 1893 takedown, and it's got the very long lever. When you see them they're never beat or dinged up like the other two, because they were easy to release, and people didn't damage guns using them.

[44shooter]

I would keep it if it will shoot

[marlinman93]

Here's a picture of my 1893 Marlin takedown using the long lever takedown.