I have a Marlin modle 39. It does not have a letter on it, just modle 39. The only number I can find on it is a number when you break it down on the barrel, that number is 503. Is that the serial number or do I need to look somewhere else?
I've not handled many early 39s, but the lower tang under the lever was one location that the serial was marked. Can get beat up and partly erased with heavy use, may take a magnifier to see. Note that there were changes in the design between a 39 and 39A, some parts don't interchange. If it is indeed that early, it shouldn't be shot with high-speed ammo or the bolt will crack, stick to standard velocity ammo. The design dates back to blackpowder days. If it's in any sort of shape, early 39s can be easily valued in the 4-figure area. Condition is all in that case and firing a good example will decrease the value.
Your number is probably for factory assembly use, may or may not be part of the serial. The receiver is the part that gets the serial and the part that really counts. The wood may be numbered as well in the inletting or under the buttplate.
As always, pictures would help. You might want to start a separate thread rather than adding to this one.
Stan S.
