ANSWERS: 3
  • From http://oldguns.net/q&a6_99.htm "National Firearms Company is a name that has been used at least twice by U.S. makers. Crescent Arms Co. used it on inexpensive double barrel shotguns probably about 1900, and more recently it has been used by Marlin for .22 rifles and pump shotguns. You can probably look up old marlin ads, or check out Bill Brophy's magnifice1nt book Marlin Firearms to identify the comparable model sold under their own name. Serial numbers were not required until 1968, so your rifle was made earlier than that. Marlins are a neglected collecting field, and values for the Marlin version of your gun are probably modest, and for a house brand version, probably even lower. My guess is that you would be lucky to get much over about $50 for it. However, when in a room full of horse manure, look around- there may be a pony there. You may have the start of a fascinating collection trying to assemble one of every variation of that Marlin model sold under different names. Sears, Montgomery Ward, and other retailers often had such guns made with their brand names, and maybe some small cosmetic change. The Gun Parts Corporation catalog has an extensive listing matching house brands with the original maker and model number that could be a good guide. Brophy's book would have more info."
  • I have one just like it. I went to gun show in Mo., and a man there believes that it was copied after the Marlin model 60. He also said that these guns may have been used in shooting galleries. Does your gun also have a gap between the words fire arm,or does it read firearm. Mine reads as fire arm.
  • Your gun was manufactured betweemn 1880-1920 by a company that copied the Martel model 60. It shoots only 22 shorts. Do not try 22 long, or long rifle, it will swell in barell and may cause damage.It is believed to have been made for shooting galleries.I only know of 2-3 of them to be around.I know that they were made when only 22shorts were avalable.

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