Any Marlin collectors here?

[Rastoff]

I have a friend who has a unique Marlin lever gun chambered in .410.

Here's a pic:


This gun is unique in that I don't believe it was offered for sale to the general public. As I understand it, it was offered to dealers as an incentive for sales or to buy a share of stock. It was made somewhere between 1929 and 1932, but I don't know exactly which year. The barrel is 26" long and there are no markings on it. It says Marlin 410 on the tang and has a 4 digit serial number on the tang under the lever.

Anyone know anything about this or can verify this story? He may want to sell it.

[Gunhacker]

That was offered up to people that purchased a share(s) of Marlin stock, and was not offered for "stand alone" sale.

You can try entering the serial number here to see if anything comes up: Marlin Manufacture Dates

Otherwise the Marlinowners.com forum has a thread with a listing by models that may or may not be able to be seen as a non-member:

Finally an Updated Marlin Dates and Production sheets.

[dmthomp32]

Your story is pretty close to the real deal. The subsequent post pretty much sums it up. They are nice guns and desirable to Marlin collectors, especially these early examples. I've seen them in the $1,000- $1,400 range. If the condition is as nice as what it appears in that photograph it may be worth even more yet. I've always wanted one myself but haven't allocated the funds yet.

Originally Posted by Rastoff

I have a friend who has a unique Marlin lever gun chambered in .410.

Here's a pic:


This gun is unique in that I don't believe it was offered for sale to the general public. As I understand it, it was offered to dealers as an incentive for sales or to buy a share of stock. It was made somewhere between 1929 and 1932, but I don't know exactly which year. The barrel is 26" long and there are no markings on it. It says Marlin 410 on the tang and has a 4 digit serial number on the tang under the lever.

Anyone know anything about this or can verify this story? He may want to sell it.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Bakebfr480]

I didn't think they were that rare! I have a twin to the one pictured.

[one eye joe]

I HAVE SHOT AND COLLECTED MARLIN LEVER GUNS, IN EVERY CALIBER OFFERED, SINCE THE EARLY 1960s. I HAVE PERUSED COUNTLESS VENDOR TABLES, IN OVER THIS 1/2 CENTURY---AND I HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS A .410 GA. LEVER SHOTGUN....

THIS LOOKS LIKE A BEAUTIFUL SPECIMEN. IF HE'S NOT ASKING REALLY STUPID MONEY, I WOULD PURCHASE IT......

OF COURSE AT THIS STAGE OF THE GAME, I'M NOT LOOKING TO PICK UP ANY LONG TERM INVESTMENTS. IN FACT, I DON'T EVEN BUY BUNCHES OF GREEN BANANAS........lol.

[Drm50]

Ditto, been after one for years and only one I came across was
beat for crazy money. Back in 70s in Shotgun News there was one that had been completely redone and fitted with custom
accessories. They wanted write in bids and it sold for $1200 back
then.
I think there was a second gun offered by Marlin in this deal. A
limited production 20g pump if I remember right. You got your
choice.

[drgbike]

I had a 219 Zipper let it slip . Now have a couple of 39as and a 1913 25-20 pump really nice little gun, but bites with the slide if not careful. Would like a 444.

[2152hq]

The Model 410 Marlin Lever Action shotgun was built on the Model 93 rifle action.

It was indeed offered as a regular catalog item for sale to the general public. 1929 to 1932. Excellent timing.
Available with either a a 22"or a 26" bbl.

A deluxe version, engraved and deluxe checkered was made as several have been found. But such a version was never cataloged or given a separate Model#.
A case of make what the customer wants back then I guess.

The standard version has a deep horizontal finger groove in the slightly 'fatter' forend on either side.
Plain rd bbl w/a ft bead. Flat hard rubber butt plate and pistol grip stock with generally the reverse S curve pistol grip feature to the bottom of the grip. 1/2magazine.
The loading port is longer than on the Model 93 and I think slightly wider. All to accomodate the 410 shell

Some of the Mod410 have a ser# with a 'U' prefix
A second series had no prefix letter.
Both appear to be the same as far as mechanics and cosmetics.
It always retailed at $30 and change as long as it was cataloged.

The shotgun was also offered by the Company as an incentive freebe during it's production with the purchase of 4 shares of MArlin stock @ $25/share.
Some other models of Marlin firearms were also used in the same stock share 'Buy 4/get a Free Gun' thing.

Not a lot of them were made. Most Marlin collectors est around 10K maybe total in both the prefix and non prefix ser#'s.

I've seen 1 or 2 for sale in my wanderings of many many shows over the years. Certainly not common at all. Both had the longer bbl and went unsold at those shows at least.
A novelty and of interest to the Marlin collector certainly, but most people end up passing them up when they see the asking prices.

[Rastoff]

Thanks for all the info gents. It's really nice to know people who are into guns.

The owner is interested in selling it. If anyone is really interested, PM me.