[hearl]

Hi, just purchased a Marlin Model 90, super condition, I have exhausted every source in my effort to find the date of manufacture. Serial Number starts with the letter " D "
I can always find the dates on the Marlin Manufacture Dates website, but not for this one, it has no information for the letter D
According to my book on Marlin Firearms, the model 90 O/U in 12 gauge was last made in 1959.
If anyone has any information on how to date this Model 90, I would love to hear from you,
thanks Hearl

 

[Rangr44]

FWIW, this is the lever-action rifle, not shotgun, section - but the M90 was made from 1937-58, IIRC, with the barrels prioe to 1949 having vents in the separating rib, a solid separating rib after 1949.

I believe the "D" prefix signifies manufacture in 1947.

.

 

[BarkeyVA]

D serial number indicate your Model 90 was made in 1947. The Blue Book of Gun Values is INCORRECT. I have a 12 ga and a 16 ga Model 90 with D serial number (1947) The 16 ga. and all of my other Model 90's made prior to WWII are open between the barrels. The exception is the 12 ga with D serial number that is open between the barrrels. There must have been a transiton period as Marlin phased in the open barrel design.

All of my Model 90's made in 1950 (G serial number) and later are open between the barrels.

If you have Brophy's book, Marlin Firearms, A History of the Guns and the Company That made Them, published by Stackpole books in 1989, there are 8 pages about the Model 90 (p. 412-419). A list of letter prefixes is on page 629.

Hope you enjoy shooting your Model 90. My favorite upland bird gun is a 16 ga. model 90 with 26" barrels.