mfg date of a 1894 marlin with ser 1168

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BEARBAR
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mfg date of a 1894 marlin with ser 1168

Post by BEARBAR »

I have a Marlin model 94 with a star on the tang it has a ser of 1168
normal markings on barrel but the stock has the plastic insert in the rear on the bottom
could this stock have been replaced
I would like to know the date of Mfg
Action has 2 screw holes in the top
Cal is 44-40 bore is bright and shiny
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marlinman93
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Re: mfg date of a 1894 marlin with ser 1168

Post by marlinman93 »

What do you consider "normal markings" on the barrel?
From the low number, "bullseye" in the stock, and Hepburn sight holes on the receiver top, I'd guess it's mid 1920's. But the rollstamp "normal" marking on the barrel might reveal more?
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
BEARBAR
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Re: mfg date of a 1894 marlin with ser 1168

Post by BEARBAR »

the markings on the barrel are as follows


SYMBOL MARLIN FIRE - ARMS CO.NEW HAVEN. CT, U.S.A. SYMBOL
SYMBOL PATENTED.OCT.11.1887.APRIL 2.1889. AUGUST 1. 1893 SYMBOL

The symbol is a line with 5 lines going out from the base line like sun rays
BEARBAR
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Re: mfg date of a 1894 marlin with ser 1168

Post by BEARBAR »

one other thing all the rifle pics that I have seen from this time area have a extension of the lever handle in the rear bottom where it comes in contact with the bottom tang this rifle is just round with no extension I was wondering if someone ground it on a radius
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marlinman93
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Re: mfg date of a 1894 marlin with ser 1168

Post by marlinman93 »

Thanks. Marlin changed their levers in the 1920's and all guns made after that change had the rounded lever without that nub on the corner closest to the tang. Not ground off, and correct for yours.
It seems to be correct for a mid 20's gun, but can't get much closer. The "bullseye" in the stock appeared around 1924, so after that.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
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