Marlin Model 39 M39, Early Pre-WWII S-Prefix, Blue & Case Colored Octagonal 24 Lever Action Takedown Rifle, MFD 1922-1936 C&R

Sold For: $1,461.00
LSB#:
161020JM03

Make: Marlin

Model: 39

Serial Number: S395

Year of Manufacture: 1922-1936

Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle

Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “The Marlin Firearms Corporation. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-PATENTED”, the left is marked “22 S L & L.R.” The lower tang is marked with the serial number, the inside of the frame is marked “395”. The upper tang is marked “Marlin / MOD. 39” with a star inspector stamp. The butt plate is marked “Marlin”.

Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a “V” notched rear elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel, which is missing its slide-step elevator. The front sight is a beaded blade on a dovetailed base, located near the muzzle.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth select walnut set with an “S” shaped pistol grip long forearm. The stocks have evidence of having been sanded and re-stained, though the job was done quite well. The forend has a few minor handling marks of shallow depth. The butt stock shows scattered scuff and compression marks, without any visible cracks. The surfaces of both stocks have instances of streaky application of light varnish. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the hard rubber buttplate. The buttplate has shrunk some from age but is free from major damages, showing only light wear, in about Very Good to Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with Case Colored Receiver & Frame

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore bright, tending to semi-bright at the muzzle. The Ballard rifling shows light wear. There are tiny spots of extremely light erosion near the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are scabs of solid erosion scattered over the barrel towards the muzzle, tending towards lighter spots near the breech. The magazine tube has small instances of this as well. The case coloring of the frame and receiver is still vivid in areas, with most surfaces experiencing a shift to mottled gray and orange patina, some areas have shifted to pin prick erosion. The lever and hammer have handling rub and operational wear, with mild erosion. The hammer serrations and the knurling on the magazine tube are sharp but for a few areas of mild compression. The forend nose cap has scrape wear and tooling by the screw holes. The screw heads have light tooling and are highly serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The trigger breaks crisply and the lever is tight in the action. The rifle takes down in seconds for easy storage and maintenance. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is an early “S” prefix Marlin Model 39 1st Model that was made between 1922-1936, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Still showing about 80% of its blue and case colored finish, the rifle really comes together with its select walnut stocks and nice overall construction. This rifle would be great for teaching a new shooter the basics of safety and marksmanship, and is light enough that you could carry it while hunting rabbits in the field all day without it wearing you out. Though it would be the dream plinking gun, the collectors are more than likely to take an interest.

Marlin Model 39 M39, Early Pre-WWII S-Prefix, Blue & Case Colored Octagonal 24 Lever Action Takedown Rifle, MFD 1922-1936 C&R
Marlin Model 39 M39, Early Pre-WWII S-Prefix, Blue & Case Colored Octagonal 24 Lever Action Takedown Rifle, MFD 1922-1936 C&R