This is the canned answer to the general question "how much is my gun worth".
There is no way that this can be determined via a description of the firearm because condition of the item is critical to its value. In addition, whether the gun is considered to be modern or antique will significantly affect not only its value but its saleability in some jurisdictions.
The steps necessary to assess a firearm are to first Clearly identify the manufacturer and model of the firearm along with serial number and significant features. Many people choose to not report the full serial number but instead disguise the least significant digits i.e. 1234XX. Features such as finish, barrel length, custom engraving or carving, and stock material may be significant. It may be useful to consult some of the books on gun values such as "The Official Gun Digest Book if Guns & Prices", the "Official Price Guide to Antique and Modern Firearms", the "Standard Catalog of Firearms", or "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms". All of these resources can provide information for identifying the firearm. The grading systems used to assign values are usually similar between the books although there can be differences. Once the firearm has been identified and condition determined, the "fair market value" can be assessed by consulting the internet market. AuctionArms.com and GunTrader.com can both provide input as to a gun's present market value. If gun shops and/or gun shows are available in your area, taking your gun in for professional inspection can be informative. Look for businesses or individuals who specialize or deal in that type of gun (take a Luger to a Luger collector rather than a shotgun collector). Remember that these people are in the business and will be looking for a "good deal" if one presents itself.
Guns, like everything else, usually aren't worth as much as we would like but they can have appreciable value.
Good luck.
Bock442
A Marlin 1889 .32-20 Safety octagon barrel rifle in good condition (75 - 80 % finish in metal, most of original finish on wood, NO modifications) should be worth about $800.00 to $1,200.00 dollars.
The marlin model 1889 is currently valued at 250 dollars for a gun with 10% original finish remaining ,up to 1550 dollars for a great example with 90% original finish remaining on the wood and metal and a good bore.
The marlin model 1889 is currently valued at 250 dollars for a gun with 10% original finish remaining ,up to 1550 dollars for a great example with 90% original finish remaining on the wood and metal and a good bore.
That would be a model 1889.
marlin made 1993 rifles and 1889 rifles, barrels are about $75 if good, the rifles are about $250 to $500 , all calibers are about equal.
I'm assuming you have a Marlin model 1889, not 1887, as they never made a model 1887. The 1889 does have a patent date of 1887 on the barrel, so this is a common mistake. Any Marlin marked ".32W" on the barrel will normally be chambered for the .32-20 Win. cartridge.
That would be a model 1889, Marlin serials are "different" I believe it was made in 1893, but I'm not a Marlin expert...
Its probably a model 1894 & should be marked as such on the upper tang. Prior to the model 1894 Marlin made a Model 1889 in the same calibres that was not marked. But, a 1889 should only have 2 patent dates, 1887 & 1889 I believe. It is possible you have a model 1889 with a model 1894 barrel on it.
I have found Marlin 1889 round barrel listed $3750.00 at Monty Whitley Inc. I too would be interested in knowing what the octagon barrel's valuie is. From the 2002 Standard Catalog of Firearms: Values as of 2007 will be higher by 10-20%. I would like to purchase three 10MR11/20 bulbs (code 66502) which, I believe, are 12 volt, 10 watt, MR11 style halogen bulbs with a GU4 base. Model 1889 Lever Action Rifle This was Marlin's first side-eject, solid-top rifle. It is cahmbered for .25-20, .32-20, 38-40, and the .44-40 cartridges. It features either octagonal or round barrels in lengths from 24" to 32" with buckhorn rear and blade front sights. The finish is blued with a case colored hammer, lever, and buttplate. The plain walnut stock is varnished. The barrel is stamped "Marlin Fire-Arms Co. New Haven Ct. U.S.A/Patented Oct 11 1887 April 2, 1889." This model features a lever latch, and many options were offered. The owner is urged to get an individual appraisal on such variations from a reputable gunsmith or advanced Marlin collector. Values fluctuate greatly due to some seemingly insignificant variation. There were approximately 55,000 manufactured between 1889 and 1899. Production Model 24" Barrel Exc V.G. Good Fair Poor --- 1200 700 350 150 22 cal. golden lever action
50-160 USD
Marlin proofmark the mark first used was the letter M in a circle. In later years (after the model 1889) the mark used was the letters JM (John Marlin) in a oval
A marlin model 1889 rifle in good condition(60%-70%) original finish will bring between 625-800 dollars.If you have a carbine version with either the 15in or 20in barrel you could ask another 25% of the above listed values.