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Model 1908 was available in two variations. Model 1908A has a flexible rear tang sight and Model 1908B has a filler block. Some confusion about serial numbering exists, because some Marble's factory representatives gave out incorrect information during 1960s and 1970s. According to some letters from this period, on Marble's factory letterhead, serial numbers began with number 700 and ended with 9999. Original factory records, however, disclose that Model 1908 was first shipped from factory in 1909, serial numbered with letters A through M, before beginning numerically with serial number 001 through 10000, when production ended in May, 1914. Serial number 001 was shipped from factory on March 3, 1909 and last Model 1908 was shipped on May 22, 1918.

Markings on Model 1908 are:
Type I (serial 1 to about 4000)
Type II (about serial 4000 to 9999)

LEFT SIDE:
MANUFACTURED BY THE

MARBLE SAFETY AXE CO.
GLADSTONE, MICH. U.S.A.
Marble Arms & Mfg. Co.

MANUFACTURED BY THE

MARBLE SAFETY AXE CO.
GLADSTONE, MICH. U.S.A.
SUCCESSOR

RIGHT SIDE:
Calibers 22 & 44
Patent Allowed

Calibers 22 & 44
Patent Allowed

Each of the markings on right side is enclosed within an elongated circle.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Separate flat buttplate attached with two screws up to approximately serial number 1200; afterwards, a flattened buttplate was integrally formed from same round steel used to form skeleton stock. Early stocks have drop adjustment with a knurled collar .375" diameter by .1875" long; at approximately serial number 2500, collar was changed to .500" by .625" long. Hammer spur is curved down up to approximately serial number 2,000, then curve at hammer is up.

Model 1908 was originally designed for .22 Short, Long or LR and .44 shot and ball ammunition, but the most satisfactory load was long-cased .44-40 that held shot in place with a disk and mouth crimp. The 1915 Marble's catalog stated Model 1908 was available for use with 2" .410 shotgun shell; chambering is slightly different from that of .44-40, but is seldom encountered. Production of Model 1908 was not resumed because of WWI.

To meet continuing demand for the extremely popular 1908, Marble's produced an entirely new gun in 1921. Grip, folding stock (made from cold-rolled sheet metal and nickel-plated) and other features were redesigned. Serial number range for Model 1921 is 10001 (shipped in October 1921) to 20076. Most production of Model 1921 apparently ended around the time of WWII; however, factory records disclose Marble's was exporting 15" barrel Model 1921s into Canada in 1955, where their registration was not required at that time. Marble's also assembled approximately 200 Model 1921s from parts circa 1960-61 and sold them (without holster) for $200 each.

Model 1921 was originally designed for 2" .410 shotgun shell, but Marble's changed the extractor marking on some guns to 2" or 2.5" to indicate factory rechambering for 2.5" shell, which has been reported to have started in 1924. However, change to a 2.5" chamber may not have been uniform, because both 2" and 2.5" marked guns have been observed in low (14000) and high (19000) serial number ranges. Lowest serial number with 2.5" marking observed so far is 14601. Range from approximately 14500 to 17000 have plastic rather than walnut grips, single-bladed rear sight rather than multiple-blade and blued rather than case-hardened hammer. Outside this range, only 19288 has 2" marking; and number 19692 is marked 2.5". No Model 1921 Game Getters are known to have been factory chambered for 3" .410 shell.

The markings on the Model 1921 are:

LEFT SIDE:
Marble'S
Game Getter Gun
Marble Arms & Mfg.Co.
Gladstone, Mich.U.S.A.
RIGHT SIDE: UPPER BARREL 22 S.L. LR.&N.R.A
LOWER BARREL .44GG & .410 2"

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Other barrel markings for Model 1921 in .410 are .410 2" and .410 2.5"; latter appears in serial number range from approximately 15000 to 16600 and in the low 19000 range.