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Here is Ron Gabel's answer to question number 6455

Question:

My father has an older percussion cap muzzleloader that appears to be made by Marlin. By searching your questions, I've found that the lock mechanism is a mid-1800s Truitt Brothers import. The barrel of the weapon is octagonal, 28.5 inches long. The only barrel markings we can find are as follows: the imprint on the barrel shows Marlin Fire-Arms Co., Pat'd Jan 18, 1887, Apr 2 1889, Aug 12 1890, Mar 1 1892. It appears to be either a .28 or .30 Cal. My father puchased the weaaon in pieces in the late 1930s and fashioned a stock from a piece of poplar (back as a small boy). He doesn't know anything else of the piece. I can forward pictures to you if that would be of interest or helpful. Any information about this piece is most gratefully received.

Answer:

The Marlin Fire Arms company was established by John Mehlon Marlin in 1863. Marlin manufactured pistols until 1875 when he began production of Ballard rifles. In 1881 he made his first lever action repeating rifle for which his company became famous. Marlin did not make any percussion cap muzzle-loading rifles I am aware of, and certainly none with 1892 patent dates.

Submitted By: Greg Bradner On: 5/11/2004 11:39:26 AM