A real OLD Marlin

[jvs]

Yesterday while on my yearly trek to a local gun show, and walking around inside, I saw an original 1881 Marlin Crescent Stock 60-40 (40-60?) laying on the table.  I stopped and stared at it for a few minutes while the guy behind the table watched closely.  I fingered around the barrel and stock (like I knew what I was doing), tilted it sideways and gently laid it back down.  

I looked all around for a price tag and couldn't find one.  I didn't say a word.


Then I figured if I had to ask a price, I couldn't afford it.  I kept going.


(But at least I got to touch one) :grin:

[Flash]

You never know, someone a half hour before you may have traded it on something easier to get ammo for. Maybe his grandfather left it to him? Maybe his wife has been bugging him to get it out of the attic? Maybe the dealer was just waiting to see what someone would offer? I would have definately asked. I got a 39A at a yard sale for $50 a few years back. The yard was filled with old stuff so I asked if they had any guns for sale. The fella told his son,"Go get that gun upstairs in the closet". You never know unless you ask!

[jvs]

This guy was surrounded by old lever action rifles, some were in the 8,000 to 10,000 dollar range.  They all had price tags on but the Old Marlin.

And he looked like a fox in the hen house.  He knew what it was worth.  I think it would have been a real task to even make him an offer that he would consider.  I walked away thinking it was a conversation piece.  

I do the same thing at yardsales.  A few years back I picked up a nice old pump shotgun that was collecting dust in a closet.  The guy told me it wouldn't fire.  He was right.....until it was cleaned.  Whoever used it over the years never cleaned it and the firing pin was all gunked up.  $20, and I took it home.