Marlin Model 39 24″ Octagonal .22 Short Long LR Lever Rifle, 1922-1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,047.00
LSB#: LSB250708MS055
Make: Marlin
Model: 39
Serial Number: 2899
Year of Manufacture: 1922-1925
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24″, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a silver-colored bead dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with an “S” shaped pistol grip, capped forearm, and a black synthetic serrated buttplate. The left of the wrist has “Tom” hand-carved. There is a knot in the left of the stock below the comb. The stocks have a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a tiny loss at the toe. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has even light wear with well defined serrations. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the two portions of the receiver are serial-matching. The front sight, magazine tube, bolt and buttplate are of a later style than the serial number would indicate.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish wear is on the magazine tube. The receiver has generally strong case color with some muting. There are a few light nicks and small scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good 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: Stated by William S. Brophy, “The Marlin lever action caliber .22 rifle was invented by L.L. Hepburn and first introduced as the Model 1891. The Model 1891 developed into the model 1892. When made into a takedown variation by Mr. Hepburn, it was identified as the Model 1897. The models 1892 and 1897 continued in production until 1915. After WWI, the old sporting arms business was acquired by John Moran, who formed the Marlin Firearms Corporation. The first catalog of this new company was issued in 1922. Included in this catalog was a lever action caliber .22 rifle called the Model 39.”
This is an early Marlin Model 39 with no prefix that was made between 1921-1925, during the roaring 20’s era. The rifle has some later features with a silver-colored front sight bead, “bayonet”-style magazine tube, serrated “unbreakable” buttplate, and a bolt of the syle used with high-velocity ammunition. Still showing about 85% of its blue and case colored finish, this is a beautiful old Marlin that still has a lot of life left in it. While some parts may be replaced, Marlin was notorious for not assembling or shipping rifles in serial-order. It’s not impossible that the receiver stayed in inventory long enough for the later features to have been in use. The collectors are more than likely to take an interest, but it ought to also be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
