Make: Marlin

Model: 39 Century Ltd. (Centennial Commemorative)

Serial Number: 4937

Year of Manufacture: 1970 (Centennial Year: 1870–1970)

Caliber: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle

Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine-Fed Rifle

Barrel Length: 20", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass-beaded blade dovetailed directly into the top flat of the octagon barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn elevator-adjustable notch dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for scope mounting, and the original scope rail is included in the envelope. The rear sight is unmarked, but the hammer extension bears the JM logo, an uncommon and desirable factory detail.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle features straight-grain American walnut furniture with a straight grip buttstock and smooth forend. A brass medallion inlaid on the right side of the buttstock reads “39 Century Ltd. – 100 Years – Marlin.” The forend retains its original red and gold “Solid American Walnut” foil decal with light edge wear. The iconic Marlin bullseye—a black-and-white inlay originally mounted on the bottom of the buttstock—is absent, but the original insert has been preserved in a small ziplock bag, offering the next owner the opportunity to restore it properly. There are no cracks or chips in the wood. Overall, the wood rates in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued with brass forend cap

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion but some minor fouling from long-term storage. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The octagon barrel is deeply rollmarked “Marlin 39 Century Ltd. – The Marlin Firearms Co. – North Haven, Conn. U.S.A.” with the JM stamp clearly present on the right shoulder of the barrel. The action, lever, and barrel remain clean and unblemished. The brass forend cap has mild patina. All screws are sharp and unmarred. The factory serial number “4937” is confirmed by the original matching box. Overall, the rifle appears to be unfired and rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. The lever cycles smoothly, the hammer locks up tight, and the knurled magazine tube cap operates as designed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes its original Marlin two-piece box, outer commemorative sleeve, and matching serial number end label. Also included are the owner’s manual, warranty card, “Hunting and Shooting Sportsmanship” pamphlet, factory scope rail, and the original Marlin zip-top bag containing the loose bullseye insert. The packaging rates in Very Good condition with moderate edge wear but remains fully intact and displayable.

Our Assessment: The Marlin 39 Century Ltd. was manufactured in 1970 to commemorate a century of American gunmaking under the Marlin name. Built on the legendary Model 39 platform, this limited-edition lever action rimfire combines elegance with precision, featuring a 20" octagon barrel, solid walnut furniture, and timeless brass accents. The North Haven address and JM barrel stamp anchor it in Marlin’s golden era of craftsmanship, while the commemorative medallion and box art celebrate its heritage.

This example, serial number 4937, is a prime collectible—appearing unfired and including every original factory accoutrement, from the matching box and scope rail to the Marlin bullseye carefully stored for future restoration. Even the hammer spur bears the JM mark, a nod to the company’s pride in quality. These rifles were only produced for a single year, and complete boxed examples like this are becoming increasingly scarce.

Whether you're a lever-action enthusiast, rimfire collector, or investor in Marlin’s historic legacy, this rifle checks every box. It’s not just a shooter—it’s a Centennial celebration in walnut and steel.