[LS1]

Has anyone here seen a post war 39a with a case hardened receiver? I have a virtually new 39a with a serial number (M10xx) which should be a 1955 gun, that has a spectacular case hardened receiver and appears to be 100% correct. Could you special order marlins in the 50's? Are there any factory records from the 50's?

Thanks

 

[rhendrix]

There is a 1957 model 39A on gunbroker that has a case hardened receiver. It also has and octagonal barrel. Maybe it was common or maybe even standard for that time period. They are asking $1900 for this one.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=221907726

 

[stubbfarmer]

The one on Gunbroker is a 39 not a 39A it was made between 1922 and 1938. I cannot explain the other without pictures or something. Marlin did not do any case colored or octagon barrels on 39A’s in the fifties and there was no custom shop. My guess is it is also an earlier gun.

 

[rhendrix]

The one on Gunbroker is a 39 not a 39A it was made between 1922 and 1938. I cannot explain the other without pictures or something. Marlin did not do any case colored or octagon barrels on 39A’s in the fifties and there was no custom shop. My guess is it is also an earlier gun.

I am sorry, you are correct. The seller states it is a 57 model but that HSxxx serial number does not check out to be from the 50s. The H indicates 51 but I can't find anything on the HS.

 

[stubbfarmer]

I cannot swear to it but I believe the HS may be a High Speed designation from the 30's.

 

[LS1]

Thank Guys, i'll try to get some photos for this oddity. This one is a standard looking 50's gun, no octagonal barrel or anything like that.

 

[Schtoolee]

The 39A was introduced in 1939 with a round barrel and Case hardened frame. From 1939 to 1941 the 39A was casehardened. None were made during the war years 1942-44.
And in 1945 when production started up they were blued. Not to say there might have been a few Casehardened frames left over, but they would have been used right away in 45.

So it would look like your was made somewhere between 1939-41 and maybe very early 1945. The only problem is the Ser#. According to Brophy's book, the 39A made between 39-41
had ether no prefix in front of the number or it would have a B prefix in front of the number. So hard to say about the M.

The only other thing I could think of, is a Marlin employee found a long forgotten receiver in the warehouse, and made up one for himself, in 1955. ???

 

[stubbfarmer]

A receiver would be serial numbered before it was case colored or blued. If an old one was found it would of had the old serial number already. My guess is that a case colored M 1957 is an aftermarket custom that was refinished sometime in the last 54 years. Shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[LS1]

Here are the photos, if this gun was redone I would be VERY surprised. What do you guys think?

 

[jdad]

I am sorry, you are correct. The seller states it is a 57 model but that HSxxx serial number does not check out to be from the 50s. The H indicates 51 but I can't find anything on the HS.

The "H"igh "S"peed bolt was added, to the Model 39 (NO"A"), in 1932. This designated that the Model 39(NO"A"), with the "HS" serial number prefix, could handle the modern high velocity ammo.

The rifle LS1 has posted is a very professionally done case coloring job.......not factory.

This is my 1940 "B". Notice that the pre-WW2 39A's had the receiver and lever cc'd.

 

[Schtoolee]

There are a few things that say this is a redone case-hardened 1957.

1: As Stubbfarmer said "A receiver would be serial numbered before it was case colored or blued. If an old one was found it would of had the old serial number already."

2: The barrel says Micro-Groove. This was introduced in 1954. So the barrel is post 1954.

3: If you look at jdad's 1940 model. His doesn't have the peep sight mount screw on the left side of the frame, yours dos. This was added on later model 39A's. I believe 50's, but not sure.

You have a beautiful gun that I would love to have, but it is a 1957. You might try talking to Turnbull, it might be some of his work. http://www.turnbullmfg.com/
I was planing to talk to him myself about a 39A project, but haven't yet.

 

[LS1]

Let me just say I am not at all questioning the date of the rifle, it is clearly a post war 1955 or 1957 gun, micro-groove, peep sight tap, etc. even the weaver scope mount. The gun has been in the family since the mid 90's so turnbull could be a possibility (could have asked him a few weeks ago, oh well). I only question why someone would go to the trouble of spending serious bucks to case harden a 39a. The gun is not reblued, the screws on the receiver are perfect, the wood is clean. I can see no signs that would lead me to believe the gun was restored in any way. I was just curious if another similar gun had surfaced. My best guess is this was done as a presentation gun, or employee gun. With no records, we'll never really know. I'll see if I can get it in doug's hands at the NRA show, he may be able to shed some light on this gun, or be able to tell me who was capable of doing that level of work.

 

[papabear]

Turnbull is very capable of turning out work that leaves no (usual) evidence of refinish work. Although my experience with pre-war Marlins is limited, I think also that you have a 50s rifle that has been made into a very NICE piece. Enjoy, Jack PS: My older Mountie needs that same treatment. jt