The Marlin Model 60 is an inexpensive .22 caliber autoloading rifle which has been in production from 1960 to the present date, a 49 year span.
1937
Your J C Higgins model 44 was made for sears by the marlin firearms company.The marlin model number is model 57M.The marlin model 57,and 57M were made during the years 1959-1965.
Your marlin model 1897 22 was made in 1903.
Made by Marlin....same as the Marlin Model 80
Made by Marlin....same as the Marlin Model 80
The marlin model 80dl was made by marlin from 1940-1965.
I can say that the Marlin model 81DL was made from 1940-1965.This was a promotional model,made by Marlin.
The marlin model 781 .22cal rifle was made from 1971-1988.
my grandfather gave me a Marlin 22 model 181-dl he bought it in 1947 after he got out of ww2.The Marlin model 81dl,and 181DL were made by Marlin firearms Company from 1940-1965.
Marlin model 80
It is most likely that Marlin made the Ranger 22 Model 35. Some other companies like Stevens also produced this model, but Marlin made the majority of them.
With the serial number that you have provided,your Marlin model 781 was made in the year 1975.