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I looked through much of it this morning. Some amazing collections. Particularly in the lever gun area. Not only Winchesters but Marlins and Savages the likes that I have never seen before! It’s simply staggering for me to ponder what other people can own. I could write more, but I can’t right now. I have been left speechless this morning. I hope my wife doesn’t think I’ve had a stroke 
I think a lot of them thar guns belong to Leroy Merz, He had the “Merry Christmas” Marlin advertised “not for sale” a couple of years back plus a couple of other guns that I recognize as His
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
November 7, 2015
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Jim Julia was our guest auctioneer at the TGCA auction this past weekend, they also had some attractive offerings on display at the show. Jim put on a good show, auction was well attended and I didn’t have to start or help any of the items. Good thing, that can be risky!
Mike
November 7, 2015
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Quite a few engraved Marlins, rare opportunity to see so many in one place.
Mike
Henry Mero said
I think a lot of them thar guns belong to Leroy Merz, He had the “Merry Christmas” Marlin advertised “not for sale” a couple of years back plus a couple of other guns that I recognize as His
The Marlin rifle actually has engraved on the receiver Santa Claus. Which is interesting IF it is original to this rifle or possibly if even period. I just question if it is period—late 19th Century, or a later 20th Century or early 21st Century “addition” and thus a gimmick to enhance value.
I looked through the flyer but not the online catalog. One item that really caught my eye is a Colt 1900 Sight Safety holster. It would go nice with my second Army contract gun. Never seen a holster for sale before and it may bring more than what I paid for the pistol.
TXGunNut said
Quite a few engraved Marlins, rare opportunity to see so many in one place.
Mike
In talking to someone high in the Marlin collecting world, I understand several of these engraved Marlins have never before been offered publicly.
What is the desirability of Marlin firearms these days? I like them and they are of quality, but they just don’t have the same appeal as a Winchester.
Having said that, these are the best of the best.
With regards to the “Santa Claus” rifle and my earlier question, based on the quality and boldness of the engraving and the engraved wording/lettering, it sure appears to have been added later. I would want a factory letter on this one to confirm originality.
Buyer beware! No one ever made a “Marlin ’73 “ movie………………………
WACA Life Benefactor Member
NRA Life Member
mrcvs said
What is the desirability of Marlin firearms these days? I like them and they are of quality, but they just don’t have the same appeal as a Winchester.Having said that, these are the best of the best.
With regards to the “Santa Claus” rifle and my earlier question, based on the quality and boldness of the engraving and the engraved wording/lettering, it sure appears to have been added later. I would want a factory letter on this one to confirm originality.
On the Santa Claus model 1888, the engraving is not mentioned in the factory ledger, nor is the fancy wood, checkering of half magazine. The caliber, barrel length and barrel configuration are mentioned. Two shipping dates are listed, the last one being 1905. What does all this mean? Such is the fate of the Marlin collector. Factory engraving is mentioned in the Winchester ledgers much more often than in the Marlin ledgers. And this applies not only engraving but other special order features as well. Back to what it means? Marlin collectors have to have more courage? Tolerance of ambiguity?
As I’ve mentioned, I like Marlins. But I worry about Marlins. Marlins have never been as popular as Winchesters – both as shooters and collector items. There’s a lot of older Winchester and Marlin collectors but I see a lot more new Winchester collectors (i.e. younger people) coming along than I see new Marlin collectors. And of the new Marlin collectors, I see more interest in semi-modern rifles (e.g. a Marlin 1894 in .41 magnum) than interest in the antique/vintage pieces. I’d love to hear I’m wrong about this.
Back to the Santa Claus rifle – it is a .38-40. Mike – the chambering is right for you 
Spot on about the Marlins, Steve. I have several Marlin 94’s, most in modern cartridges. Much like the Marlin 39A, I have them because they are fun to shoot and a lot of bang for the buck, not because I consider them ‘collectible’.
Paul
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
November 7, 2015
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Rick Hill said
Buyer beware! No one ever made a “Marlin ’73 “ movie………………………
Excellent point! I had a few nice enough Marlins for awhile but divested myself of them to focus my limited resources on Winchesters. I even sold a few of my modern Marlins. I enjoyed studying and shooting them, I even read Col. Brophy’s excellent Marlin book.
Mike
The Savage 1899 suffers from the same stigma as the Marlin when stacked up beside the Winchester.
mrcvs said
The Savage 1899 suffers from the same stigma as the Marlin when stacked up beside the Winchester.
Those that arrive at the party late are destined to slim pickings at the food trough.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
mrcvs said
The Savage 1899 suffers from the same stigma as the Marlin when stacked up beside the Winchester.
Those that arrive at the party late are destined to slim pickings at the food trough.
Bert
I’ve enjoyed shooting and studying Savage rifles as well. Fascinating Leverguns. A bit disappointing when it came time to sell.
Mike
Bert H. said
mrcvs said
The Savage 1899 suffers from the same stigma as the Marlin when stacked up beside the Winchester.
Those that arrive at the party late are destined to slim pickings at the food trough.
Bert
Yes, that’s the problem with Savage. The Modrl 1895 didn’t come out until after the most iconic Winchester lever action rifles had already been designed and marketed. Also, Savage 1895 and 1899 rifles are rather avant-garde and the lack of an exposed hammer might have something to do with it as well. And there’s a design flaw with the propensity for the stock to crack at the upper tang. Neat rifles nonetheless, despite being a poor investment from a collecting point of view. BUT, a way to own a .32-40 or .38-55 rifle with condition at a fraction of the cost of an equal condition Model 1894 rifle.
I owned and shot a Savage 99F in .243 Win for many years. I especially like the brass rotary spool magazine with the cartridge counter. That rifle handled and shot very well. In the end, I inherited my grandfather’s Springfield Model 1903A3 that had been custom built for the 7x57mm cartridge (22″ featherweight Douglas barrel). He loaded it with 130-gr bullets and it shoots superbly out to 250-yds.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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