Marlin 39a Serial Number Lookup

Gents,
I have a chance at a couple different Marlins but honestly don't know anything about the current market .... so thought I'd ask before I jump into either one.
1. 39a with serial number indicating 1947. I can see the number. D prefix. Wood and metal look in reasonably good condition based on photos. Down side, previous owner engraved his name along the lever (ughh).
2. 39a owner thinks is a 1953. Haven't seen any numbers yet. Straight grip stock (Mountie ?). Again, wood and metal look in reasonably good condition based on photos. Gent was away from the gun and couldn't verify a few things I saw in the pictures that looked like rust speckles and screw head damage. Will talk again this evening when he has it back in his hands and can confirm. Let's assume for this discussion that these are both 'optical' conditions (camera issues) and not real.
I haven't seen either of these in person ..... only 'not to great' pictures so hesitate to even show them here.
What would be a good 'average' going rate given good condition with only normal wear? Are these particularly desirable compared to something newer or is the opposite the case?
Neither one is totally pristine ...... but neither look beat up either.
Thanks for your patience and your feedback. Really have an itch for a 39a so want to get myself educated.
Pilot1950

Marlin 39a Serial Number Lookup Free

  1. 22 caliber bolt action and semi-autos were not serial numbered prior to 1969. (when the 1968 Gun Control Act was implemented). Firearm serial numbers were date coded by a prefix within the s/n, as signified below. For example a Marlin model 39A with a serial number of N12478 would have been made in 1955.
  2. [My Marlin 39A has a serial number of 535. Any ideas?] Every year's production had three-digit serial numbered guns, since Marlin started each year's numbering anew, usually with a consecutive letter prefix, then with a 2-digit date code.
Marlin 39a Serial Number Lookup

Marlin Model 39a Serial Number Lookup

Marlin Model 39A 39-A Octagon, Scarce Blue 24” Lever Action Tube Fed Takedown Rifle, MFD 1973. There is normal operational wear on the hammer and trigger, the lever has handling wear as photographed. The top of the receiver and first few inches of the barrel have scuffing from a previous scope mount (not included).