[cajun56]

One other question I had about the serial numbers of the older Marlin 39s. When they started adding the S at the beginning of the serial numbers, did they start over with the numbers, or just continue from the pre-S numbers? I think I know, but just wanted to be sure. My older 39s are s/n 7252 and S6434. Because the S was added in 1926 with the newer design of the retractable ejector, I assume the 7252 is older than the S6434. Correct?

That's a good question!
My oldest Model 39 has the small c in front of serial # making it a 1946 model. Lets hope somebody here can answer your question.