Our Philosophy on Firearm Conservation
Everyone says collectors prefer original rifles. That’s true, to a degree, but it’s only one factor in how a collector assess a rifle. Condition, rarity, provenance, special significance, and sentimental attachment all impact how a collector would value a rifle.
Determinations of originality and condition are highly subjective (nearly as much as sentimental value), and require an eye for detail and the minute changes throughout a model’s production run. In some cases, deviation from originality can negatively affect value, especially on historically significant firearms. In other cases, deviation from originality can restore value lost through corrosion, damage, or wear and tear while returning America’s historical arms to a safe, usable condition. We approach this process deliberately when deciding whether to conduct any conservation or restoration work and always try to maintain a ‘light touch’ with our efforts. While we’re collectors, we understand that Marlin’s rifles were mass-produced arms and are generally of the opinion that a rifle gently returned to operable condition is more valuable than an inoperable relic– both monetarily and as tangible link to America’s past.
When assessing whether to perform work on a rifle, we consider the following criteria”
Historical significance
or Mahlon Marlin’s Model 20
are historically significant. Other limited production models, such as Marlin’s bicycle rifle
, are also significant due to the incredibly limited number of specimens produced. Generally speaking, the rarer a particular configuration is, the more historically significant the rifle is, the more collectible the rifle is, the more likely it is that any work performed will decrease the value (or will be cost prohibitive to perform). Luckily, most custom Marlins were well-conserved over their life and don’t require conservation work today.Current Condition
NRA condition criteria are a great tool, but we don’t believe they provide enough range of criteria for collector firearms (any part replacement automatically moves a firearm to good, fair or poor). We consider NRA standards, as well as wood condition, remaining finish, pitting, bore condition, action wear, quality of prior work performed, etc.
Prior Work Performed
We generally assess prior work under one of five general categories:
This rifle must’ve come through a time warp
These rifles appear as though they’ve been generally untouched, in our professional opinion this rifle is in it’s original condition and hasn’t had any work performed.
This rifle is a survivor
This rifle is mostly original, but has had parts replaced or modifications over time. Common modifications include holes drilled and tapped for aftermarket peep sights, aftermarket sling swivels, or the replacement of internal springs with modern replacements. Modifications on rifles with this level of originality were normally modified contemporaneous to the period of production and were performed to professional standards.
This rifle has had some work done
This rifle is still mostly original, but had various work performed to ensure its usability or to enhance its value. Examples may include refinished wood, bluing of metal, etc. We’ve worked to bring the rifle back from the brink while maintaining its value to collectors. Where major components, such as buttstocks, have been replaced, they have been replaced with original pieces from the period correct to the original configuration.
This rifle underwent significant repairs
This rifle had significant work performed. The buttstock and/or fore end may have been replaced with new wood. The barrel may have been replaced or relined, and more intrusive conservation work may have been performed to return the rifle to a safe, usable condition. Where possible, we’ve reused original parts from other rifles.
This rifle was rebuilt from the ground up
This rifle was built from the ground up from a salvaged frame or receiver. Many if not the majority of the components are new.
Assessed Value in Current Condition
We closely watch sales of Marlin rifles through a variety of sources and base our assessment of value on the current market. As any collector can tell you prices fluctuate based on a number of factors, and we try to take into consideration outliers when doing our assessment of the fair-market value of Marlin rifles. Rifle valuation, like art, is a ‘touchy-feely’ process, and is market dependent – for rifles we buy the work is done – at that place and time we were willing to pay more for it than anyone else was!
Cost to Conduct Work Required
We’ve got a robust inventory of parts and components to repair old Marlins, often with original parts. We have gotten pretty good as estimating the time required to do a job, and the price of the parts required.
Estimate of value after work has been completed
Unlike assessing the current value, estimating future value is a lot more difficult! We think we know what it’ll be worth based on the market value of similar rifles. Sometimes though, the value is sentimental, or filling a gap in a collection, or a desire to put a classic rifle in the hands of a young outdoorsman to pass on a piece of our heritage to the next generation.