First post, been lurking here for a long time, a recent transaction still pending has pulled me from observer status.
I understand that the Marlin serial number codes for dates seems pretty simple. First two digits subtracted from 100 leads to date of manufacture. Example, first two digits 95 would be a manufacture date of 2005.
My question, was there ever a time that anyone is aware of that this coding system would not have been observed?
I ask because I am in process of buying a 1895CB with 26" octagonal barrel.
I'm buying it from a Gander Mountain, they claim the gun is brand new in box, never used.
The gun certainly is in pristine condition.
My concern is the serial number is 991243XX, by the coding system this would make this a 2001 gun. I think the odds of finding a brand new 1895CB from 2001 very low, next to impossible. Hard to believe a 2001 could still be found new in box anywhere. Incidentally I've paid for the gun and will take delivery next week, with tax I cleared the door at $805.
Did I just find a diamond in the rough or is something wrong somewhere in your opinions?
I understand that the Marlin serial number codes for dates seems pretty simple. First two digits subtracted from 100 leads to date of manufacture. Example, first two digits 95 would be a manufacture date of 2005.
My question, was there ever a time that anyone is aware of that this coding system would not have been observed?
I ask because I am in process of buying a 1895CB with 26" octagonal barrel.
I'm buying it from a Gander Mountain, they claim the gun is brand new in box, never used.
The gun certainly is in pristine condition.
My concern is the serial number is 991243XX, by the coding system this would make this a 2001 gun. I think the odds of finding a brand new 1895CB from 2001 very low, next to impossible. Hard to believe a 2001 could still be found new in box anywhere. Incidentally I've paid for the gun and will take delivery next week, with tax I cleared the door at $805.
Did I just find a diamond in the rough or is something wrong somewhere in your opinions?