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Welcome from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a true Marlin sanctuary state. You picked a fine rifle to o start down the rabbit hole with. I’m not a big one for values, but someone can help you out of sure. Thanks for the pictures!
Regards,

 

That rifle is in great shape for 76 years old! It hasn't been used much at all. The metal is virtually unmarked and also much of the wood, and the screws are perfect. It doesn't have the small scratches or wear patterns from being carried or bumped.

I doubt it has been refinished or reblued. It just doesn't have that look about it to me. Probably, it's been sitting in a closet or a gun case pretty much all its life to explain the light color of the wood. But I'm not expert. Hopefully you'll hear soon from someone who knows better than I.

I think you did very well with finding and buying that one. Take her out and shoot her.

 

I will agree with Kayaker. I don't think it has ever been reblued And it has certainly not seen much in the way of being carried in the field.
The ding in the forearm is probably best left alone, unless you want to refinish the entire stock and forearm. Look at the ding as character.
In today's market, the price point is a little high in my opinion. But, is the rifle something you really wanted? If it is, you did good. As many people have stated, "something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it."
Andrew

 

The 48 and 49 Waffle tops are a bit harder to find, 1950-52 seems like production increased greatly, at least you see a lot more of them in my experience, I have a 49 but not as nice as this one.

 

I’ve got a 336 waffle top in 35 rem. Love the rifle and it shoots cast lead gas check bullets and unique powder for very cheap range plinking. Your 30-30 is pre micro groove so somewhat more cast bullet friendly as well.

 

You have a really nice old Marlin. Looks original to me and the metal is in excellent condition. It is worth the range you paid for it. They will only go up in value over the years like they always have. Just take care of it and enjoy it.

 

Welcome to Marlin Owners from NE Indiana.

That is a very nice rifle. I suspect the rifle may have been refinished at some point. I see the transition area from the Comb to the wrist is darker than the rest of the stock and that is why I suspect the refinish. Also the area where the forearm meets the action. If it was refinished they did a fine job. The ding would have been done after that point. Fixing the ding may cause more work including a patch because of the broken fibers on the edges. I would leave it be.

I do not think that is that bad of a price for the rifle but not a good deal if you are wanting to flip it. Besides now is not the time to worry about the price as you will officially own it when you do the paperwork with the FFL. I would get some 30-30 ammo and go to the range and enjoy it. I like the period correct front sling eye or stud. Is the sling coming with it? I would replace the rear modern stud with one to match the front and get a set of the hooks that go with them.

 

Thank you for the detailed post. I see the areas you're talking about. The are where I'm really seeing this is the right side of the stock. The finish is darker in t the notch where the comp and grip meet. I had a few more photos I compared and I think it might be the reflection / lighting, but I'll post some follow up pictures when the rifle comes in.
I'm a little relieved the rifle has some character. I plan for this to be a shooter and adding my own handling marks and then passing the rifle down.
I'm having trouble researching the sling studs. The rifle is not coming with a sling. I see the difference you mentioned between the two studs. Did these rifles come from the factory with sling studs? I'm also having trouble identifying what would be the period correct sling studs / hooks for a rifle of this period. If you have a link or reference would you mind sharing? I would love to pair this with a basic leather sling. Thanks again for your feed back.

 

welcome from upstate NY.

 

That rifle in my local gun stores would have an asking price of about $1200. It would eventually sell too.

 

Old is Gold..

 

I have a 1949 Marlin RC in a waffle-top! .32 special and my gun is in the shape a ole Marlin should be used with blue wearing of it. Scratches on the wood and dents! I love it!
To me it's priceless!
Yours is extra nice! Enjoy it!

 

Those rare calibers are super cool. I would have jumped at one of those if I had a reloading setup. Thanks for the response!

 

It looks in very good condition, and already had a ding so you won't be afraid to shoot it 😉. I am pretty sure that an RC has a nose cap on the forend wood. Your rifle looks to be a carbine with a band. I need to look at your pictures better, but if the top has no holes, you are in great shape as far as your cost goes. An all steel receiver sight and you are one happy waffletop owner.

 

No holes on the waffle top. I was trying to post some more photos, but I think you're limited on how many pictures you can post. Thanks for the feedback!

 

Okay, looked at your pictures better 😍, there is no way that it has been refinished. It is a fantastic rifle built with pride and great fit and finish. Well done.

 

RC - Regular Carbine does have a barrel band not a cap.

 

Okay, is it SC that has the cap?

 

The graining of the metal would not look anything like this if it had been refinished. I think it's original. I would also check under the stock to see how the covered metal compares to the exposed metal. Very nice look overall. Clean, lubricate and shoot it!

 

On behalf of the great state of Texas, thank you for the warm welcome to this forum. I can believe how much feedback this post has received.

I'm realizing my original post should have contained a few additional details. I intend for this rifle to be a heirloom piece I can pass down. Additionally, I plan to take out as a backup deer / hog rifle. Most of our hunting is done out stands with ranges <100 yards. With that in mind, I'm actually relieved it's not in perfect condition. I'm sure I'll be adding my own character marks as I enjoy the rifle.

I've done some additional research and believe I overpaid about $150 for this rifle. This doesn't include the shipping and tax/theft charges. I was hoping to be around $750. Unfortunately, I became emotionally involved with the rife and had a moment of weakness during the last 15 minutes of the auction.

Overall, I'm happy about the purchase and can't wait to get the rifle. I'll post some follow up pictures and maybe a grouping from the range, if I can still afford the ammo. Thanks again for the feedback.

 

The old ones speak to me, they have a story to tell..

 

890$ and fees on thief broker is a bit steep but Say-la-vee. I gave 550.00 for my last pre 1960 336/36 but that was 6 years ago. The forearm ding may be able to steam out some, the finish is factory per my old eyes. the Striations on the receiver is a bit odd, forge marking, but has no effect on the function and its how it was made. Paying a bit too much is subjective the 890 today may be a great deal in 10 years.... that quality is hard to find.

 

Welcome from Central Oregon

 

That's a pretty Marlin!
If it's 100% original, this gun must be worth quite a lot!

The only "suspicious" thing I can point out is the loading spring on the side of the receiver. It doesn't look original? I have the exact same gun (1949 Marlin 336 RC) and the loading spring is "bigger". I'm pretty sure this shape is pretty standard on Marlins this age (and even newer ones). I'm curious to hear other people on that.