barrel lengths and quantities for many of the lever action models; all data gleaned directly from the original factory records. As previously mentioned, this does not represent the “last word” on the subject, but is certainly a substantive starting point for anyone interested in Marlins. It is hoped that this section will prove a valuable reference for those collecting or trading in the field.
Marlin handguns also offered a considerable challenge to list and describe and it is with a sense of satisfaction that they are to be found herein completely and accurately categorized and evaluated for the first time, with a great deal of fresh information as to quantities made and identification of variations and markings.
Ballard rifles—often a field of study and collecting by themselves—are placed in a clearer perspective for the very first time ever and are discussed at great length in the prefatory text to that section.
Marlin values tended to fluctuate considerably with changes in condition. For the most part they did not reflect the more moderate price gradations that similar guns of their contemporaries maintain (e.g., Colt, Winchester and Smith & Wesson). This was especially noticeable with handguns and lever action rifles, while the Ballards more or less reflect trends similar to other American single shots. Those price fluctuations were likely caused by the fact that no definitive guide had been available to the collecting world and hence, with the condition-conscious market that evolved in past decades (where almost any gun of any maker in superb condition became highly desirable), only those specimens in the highest condition grades had been actively sought by collectors-at-large rather than Marlin specialists. With changing collecting patterns and the publication of definitive data about Marlins, that trend has reversed itself.
The original factory finishes of Marlin rifles are noteworthy. The brilliant casehardening colors standard on the receivers of their single shot and repeating rifles as well as the high quality of blued finishes on barrels have been a major reason for their great popularity (especially in the finer degrees of condition) and their attractiveness to the collector. A generalization and rule-of-thumb for collecting Marlin firearms would place the earlier and scarcer models as desirable in all grades of condition, whereas the most salient feature affecting demand and evaluation of the later, more common and widely produced types is condition.
Bore conditions are often a major factor in evaluating the Marlin-Ballard series, as most were made for fine, accurate target shooting. Bores do not play a dominant role in evaluating the early pre-Marlin-Ballards. The reader is referred to Chapter XIV and the sections dealing with Winchester single shot rifles and the Sharps New Model 1874 (in Chapter V) where the subject of bores is discussed in some detail.
Quite a few Marlins of all types were factory engraved. As with all other American arms, such fancy embellishments are in strong demand and usually prices for them are greatly in excess of those for standard, plain specimens. This subject has also been discussed throughout the book, notably in Chapter II and the introductory text to many of the American arms makers. Marlin lever action rifles were available with varying degrees of factory engraving. Ornate specimens are highly desirable and may be rated on a par with similarly decorated Winchesters. Often the same engravers worked for both makers. Factory engraving was available on custom order on almost all models of Ballards, while on some of the fancier, higher grades engraving was standard, and is so indicated in the descriptions and prices in this section. Handguns may also be found with varying degrees of decoration, but to a much lesser degree than longarms. Although quite scarce, values on most engraved Marlin handguns increase more moderately than those of their contemporaries (i.e., Colt or Smith & Wesson, etc.). The most commonly encountered simple scroll/floral engraved motifs normally increase values from 50 percent to 100 percent. Finely cut, elaborate specimens are seldom seen and must be evaluated individually, based on their quality and rarity.
Cased Marlin handguns are seldom encountered; however, the lesser frequency of their appearance on the collectors’ market is not sufficient to increase their values disproportionately. The most usual form of casing is a walnut box with simple compartmented lining similar in style to that used by Smith & Wesson (and very probably many of those cased Marlins are in fact in Smith & Wesson boxes which on some models are interchangeable). Values may be increased based on style, completeness and condition of the box.
Where grips are other than standard (ivory and pearl were available from the factory at extra cost), values may be increased proportionately providing their condition is complete and sound. The reader is referred to Chapter II for a detailed discussion of the subject. Ivory or pearl grips will normally increase values of Marlin handguns approximately $50 to $100.
Factory records of serial numbers exist for most Marlin lever actions from serial No. 4000 (c. 1883) to No. 355,000 (c. 1906). No records are available for any Marlin handguns, Ballard rifles, shotguns or 22 rifles (except lever actions) made prior to 1948. Those Marlin records are now maintained by the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, 720 Sheridan Ave., Cody, Wyoming 82414. For the modest fee of $55 ($30 to members of the Cody Firearms Museum) per rifle the collector is afforded the opportunity to acquire original manufacturing data. Information usually found includes model number, caliber, barrel length, date of manufacture and any special order or custom features. Shipping information and names of purchasers are rarely available.
Serial Numbers Marlin Lever Action Repeaters: Various models did not have individual blocks of numbers assigned. It is believed models were randomly numbered in sequence as they were shipped rather than as they were manufactured. Thus, a M. 1897 numbered 1501,001 entered June 1, 1897 may be recorded in just one day prior to a M. 1894 No. 150, 002. Reportedly, those under serial No. 175,500 may possibly be those made prior to Dec. 31, 1898; further verification is called for.
This section, and certainly any “well-rounded” Marlin collection, includes some of the predecessor Ballard arms made at Worcester and Newburyport, Massachusetts. The development of the Ballard system and the succession of companies that manufactured the arm are of direct importance and relevance to the collector of Marlins.
A brief, but general history of the Marlin Firearms Company is helpful in establishing for its products a clear historical perspective. The founder, John Mahlon Marlin (1836-1901), a former employee of the Colt Firearms Company at Hartford, launched his own business in New Haven c. 1863. The first weapon made is generally considered to be small a single shot 22 caliber deringer type pistol. Early production was confined to single shot handguns, with revolver manufacture starting after 1870. With the expiration of the Rollin White patents (owned by Smith & Wesson), Marlin (as did many other American makers) entered into revolver production. His first types were quite similar to those produced by Smith & Wesson and Colt (in their New Line series).
In 1873, the Brown Manufacturing Company of Newburyport, Massachusetts, then making the Ballard’s patent rifle, was sold under mortgage foreclosure proceedings. Patent rights to the Ballard, plus a group of arms and parts in various stages of production, were acquired by Charles Daly of the large New York arms dealers Schoverling & Daly. Daly arranged with John Marlin to continue manufacture of the Ballard rifles, with Schoverling and Daly handling sales and distribution exclusively in the early years. Evidently, Daly himself bought into the Marlin firm at that time, eventually becoming its president and later selling his interest back to John Marlin in 1893. Business progressed sufficiently to the point where reorganization proved necessary and, in 1881, the Marlin Firearms Company was formed. Manufacturing continued heavily in the Ballard single shot rifle line while simultaneously their first lever action repeater (the Model 1881, named for the year of incorporation) was developed and marketed. By the late 1880s the era of the single shot waned and Marlin discontinued the Ballard (around 1890 or 1891), devoting all their efforts to the rising popularity of lever action rifles, later adding a line of pump action shotguns. On John Marlin’s death in 1901 the operation was continued by his two sons, and other specialties were added to their line. Most notable of these was the Ideal Cartridge Reloading Manufacturing Company in 1910 (later sold to Lyman in 1925) with a diversified array of bullet molds, reloading tools and accessories.
Early in the period of the First World War, the firm was sold to a New York syndicate (1915) and renamed the Marlin-Rockwell Corporation. All the company’s wartime energies were devoted to the manufacture of machine guns. The cessation