[Anvilhead]

I recently purchased a 1897 Cowboy with the 24” octagon barrel. A long time friend and gun store owner sold it to me as he is thinning out his collection. It is NIB with all the items Marlin included with it. I paid $925.00 for it. First of all I don’t want to sell it but I can’t seem to find any up to date values for it. I have been collecting for years and realize what can happen to prices when two or more people get into a bidding war. Does anyone know the realistic value on one of these? It really is a nice little rifle. Thank you for your help.

 

[Anvilhead]

Hey Anvil,

Welcome to the Marlin Forum.

Whee! A 24" 1897? !

I think you did good at $925...

Did you buy to collect? Or to use? (I most likely would have shot it, already) LOL

Later, Mark

I bought it to collect. I have a 39a that I love to shoot. I have told my friends for years that Marlin lever actions are the best made. Even the new ones are still made in the U.S.

 

[Anvilhead]

Realistic Value...is usually what the market will bear.

You could name any price above what you paid and see if someone who really wants it bites...( yea...you're not selling it, I know )

Best bet is to go to the auction sites like Gun Broker / Gun Auctions, etc. ... or... Buy the current edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values by S. P. Fjestad ( $40 ).

I have seen some ridiculous prices paid for guns on auction sites.