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With regards to the Winchester 1886 vs Marlin 1895 (the model that was available until 1917), what is the valuation of these if identical in comparison to each other? IMHO, the Marlin 1895 does not have the appeal of the Winchester 1886 and likely never will.
This means comparing identical examples.
Both antique or not?
Both in the same calibers.
Both with the same, or nearly so, identical features.
Identical condition.
This is a hypothetical example. I don’t have in front of me two identical rifles, except one is a Winchester 1886 and the other is a Marlin 1895.
Both Marlin and Winchester built great guns but because Hollywood Westerns featured Winchester and Colt we have fewer Marlin collectors today. Less people collecting, less interest and price. Winchester was better at marketing than Marlin. You could buy ammunition and other sporting goods in the day from a company you already trusted.
John Wayne did not carry a Marlin in “True Grit”. T/R
TR said
Both Marlin and Winchester built great guns but because Hollywood Westerns featured Winchester and Colt we have fewer Marlin collectors today. Less people collecting, less interest and price. Winchester was better at marketing than Marlin. You could buy ammunition and other sporting goods in the day from a company you already trusted.John Wayne did not carry a Marlin in “True Grit”. T/R
That’s correct, a lot of the interest in Winchesters and Colts today—and the ability to attract an audience when it comes time to sell, and bring much better money as well—stems from their appearances on the silver screen.
I think the Marlin 1895 brings good money, not quite as high as the 86, you don’t see excellent examples often, so it’s hard to track, the lesser condition ones are on par with the 86. I have a soft spot for the Marlin and have a few
November 7, 2015
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I’ve seen 1893, 1894 and 1895 Marlins in excellent condition bring respectable prices but nothing near the prices we’re seeing for similar Winchesters. A good illustration of the rule that rarity, quality and condition don’t always guarantee high demand or prices. Another way of looking at it is the Marlin collector is getting more bang for his buck.
Mike
November 7, 2015
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I’ve seen 1893, 1894 and 1895 Marlins in excellent condition bring respectable prices but nothing near the prices we’re seeing for similar Winchesters. A good illustration of the rule that rarity, quality and condition don’t always guarantee high demand or prices. Another way of looking at it is the Marlin collector is getting more bang for his buck.
Mike
Winchesters were more popular back in the old west as well. After the Johnson County War of April 1892, forty-three vigilantes surrendered arms. Of the long arms, there was one shotgun, four Peabody-Martini rifles, and two Sharps rifles. All other carbines and rifles were Winchesters. These were models 1873, 1876, and 1886.
There were no Colt Lightning rifles, no Marlin rifles, no Bullard rifles.
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
TXGunNut said
I’ve seen 1893, 1894 and 1895 Marlins in excellent condition bring respectable prices but nothing near the prices we’re seeing for similar Winchesters. A good illustration of the rule that rarity, quality and condition don’t always guarantee high demand or prices. Another way of looking at it is the Marlin collector is getting more bang for his buck.
Thank you. I would like a decent 1895 to go along with some 1886s, but my observations, not looking all that closely, is that Marlins (none of them 1895s, however), at the local show just don’t seem to move. I’m thinking that if one is serious about moving a Marlin—and this includes the Model 1895–you have to come down to about 50%, or less, than a comparable Winchester—and that’s just to get a second glance.
I bought this 1893 Marlin in 2004 for $2,400. I later traded it for a Colt pistol and cash. Don’t remember the total value? This was a really nice rifle. It was the only Marlin I’ve ever owned and the only 30 WCF. Much smoother action than a Win 94.
Chuck said
I bought this 1893 Marlin in 2004 for $2,400. I later traded it for a Colt pistol and cash. Don’t remember the total value? This was a really nice rifle. It was the only Marlin I’ve ever owned and the only 30 WCF. Much smoother action than a Win 94.
This reinforces my point. If this was a Winchester, it would be AT LEAST two or three times the value of what you paid for it ($2400).
Abd, I like Winchesters, and the silver screen sealed their popularity, but there are other rifle manufacturers who produced rifles superior to the excellent quality of Winchesters. Some are worth less today because they aren’t a Winchester, and others worth the same or more, only because of rarity (think Bullard).
That was my point. In the early days I collected a lot of different manufacturers. I eventually sold most of the non Colt and Winchesters. The other guns were harder to sell and brought less money.
Bullard is the cream of the crop when it comes to lever actions.
Chuck said
That was my point. In the early days I collected a lot of different manufacturers. I eventually sold most of the non Colt and Winchesters. The other guns were harder to sell and brought less money.Bullard is the cream of the crop when it comes to lever actions.
Yeah, they are up there 
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