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Marble Game Getter

The Marble Game Getter is a lightweight, folding-stock combination firearm consisting of a .22 rimfire rifle barrel over a .44-caliber smoothbore shotgun barrel, designed by Webster L. Marble for trappers, hunters, and campers seeking a compact tool for small game procurement and survival needs.^[1]^[2] Introduced in 1908 by the Marble Safety Axe Company of Gladstone, Michigan, the original Model 1908 featured a top-break single-shot action with selectable hammer striker, skeletonized tubular steel stock that folded for portability, and barrel lengths typically ranging from 12 to 18 inches, weighing approximately 2.25 pounds.^[1]^[3] A second generation, Model 1921, introduced improvements including optional .410 shotgun chambers and enhanced sights, while maintaining the core purpose of versatility in confined spaces like traps or camps.^[4] Production ceased in the 1930s following the National Firearms Act of 1934, which classified short-barreled shotguns as restricted weapons, rendering many configurations illegal without special registration.^[3] Today, surviving examples are valued by collectors for their innovative design as an early precursor to modern survival firearms, often accompanied by original holsters, cases, and accessories like pocket axes or compasses promoted in period advertising.^[1]^[5]

History and Development

Invention and Early Concept

The Marble Game Getter was invented by Webster L. Marble, founder of the Marble Safety Axe Company in Gladstone, Michigan, drawing from his extensive experience as a trapper, timber cruiser, and outdoorsman.^[1] Marble aimed to develop a compact firearm for wilderness use, prioritizing lightweight construction, multi-caliber versatility, and operational reliability to enable users to hunt small game, pursue larger quarry, or defend against predators without carrying multiple weapons.^[1] The core concept featured an over-under double-barrel arrangement with approximately 12-inch barrels: an upper rifled barrel chambered in .22 caliber for precision shots on small game, and a lower smoothbore barrel in .44 caliber capable of firing shot loads for birds or close-range pests. Weighing about 2.25 pounds, the design incorporated a pistol grip for one-handed use and a novel foldable wire stock that pivoted into a slotted handle for storage or extended into a rifle configuration via an adjustable wedge and screw mechanism, enhancing portability for campers, surveyors, and travelers.^[1] Marble filed U.S. Patent 931,328 for the firearm on March 9, 1908, with the patent issuing on August 17, 1909; early prototypes and development traced back to his iterative designs over prior decades. Production commenced in 1908 through the Marble Safety Axe Company, spurred by nearly 500 pre-orders, resulting in initial units stamped "PATENT PENDING" ahead of formal patent approval.^[1] This marked the debut of the Model 1908 as a pioneering survival tool tailored for practical field applications.^[1]

Model 1908 Production

The Model 1908 Game Getter, the first production variant of the design patented by Webster L. Marble in 1908, entered manufacturing at Marble Arms & Manufacturing Company in Gladstone, Michigan, with the initial firearm (serial number 001) shipped on March 3, 1909.^[6] This top-break, double-barrel combination gun featured superimposed barrels—a rifled upper chambered for .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle rimfire cartridges, and a smoothbore lower for .44-caliber shot shells or round ball loads, optimized for small game at close range.^[1] Standard configurations included barrel lengths of 12, 15, or 18 inches, with provisions for custom orders as short as 3 inches or longer upon request, and a folding wire shoulder stock for compactness.^[7] Active production of new units ran from 1909 through 1914, yielding examples marked with five-line address stamps on the barrels, such as "MARBLE ARMS & MFG. CO. GLADSTONE, MICH. U.S.A."^[8] Inventory accumulated during this period was depleted via shipments until May 22, 1918, after which output ceased entirely due to resource demands of World War I.^[4] Surviving records indicate serial numbers progressed sequentially, with documented pieces like serial 3332 dating to the circa 1908–1918 span, though exact total output remains unconfirmed in primary manufacturer ledgers, with estimates suggesting around 10,000 units across early models before wartime interruption.^[9]^[4] The design emphasized portability for trappers, hikers, and survivalists, weighing approximately 2.25 pounds unloaded, with a bead front sight, folding leaf rear, and optional leather holster for belt carry.^[1] Post-1914 shipments often included factory accessories like wooden storage cases, reflecting Marble's marketing to outdoorsmen via retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch.^[10] Transition to the Model 1921 variant followed postwar resumption, incorporating refinements absent in the 1908 series.^[6] The Model 1921 Game Getter represented a significant redesign following the cessation of Model 1908 production during World War I, with manufacturing resuming in 1921 under the direction of Webster L. Marble at the Marble Arms & Manufacturing Company in Gladstone, Michigan.^[6] Key improvements included a more robust grip for better handling, a folding stock fabricated from cold-rolled sheet metal for enhanced durability over the prior wire-frame design, and a refined safety mechanism to improve operational reliability.^[6] These changes addressed feedback on the earlier model's ergonomics and structural weaknesses, while maintaining the over-under double-barrel configuration with the .22 rimfire rifle barrel positioned above the smoothbore shotgun barrel.^[4] Standard chamberings for the Model 1921 were .22 Long Rifle over .44 Game Getter shotshell or .22 Long Rifle over .410 bore, with the latter initially designed for 2-inch shells but later adapted on some units to accommodate 2- or 2.5-inch shells via updated extractor markings.^[6] Barrel lengths of 12, 15, or 18 inches were offered, with custom orders available down to 3 inches or up to 22 inches, though shorter variants were primarily for export or specialized use.^[4] Approximately 10,000 units of the Model 1921 were produced over its run, reflecting steady demand for a compact small-game tool among trappers and outdoorsmen.^[4] Production of the Model 1921 halted again during World War II due to material shortages and wartime priorities, resuming afterward with minimal structural alterations but adaptations to comply with the 1934 National Firearms Act, which had already curtailed domestic sales of 12- and 15-inch barrel models classified as short-barreled firearms requiring special registration.^[11] Post-war units thus emphasized the 18-inch barrel configuration for legal pistol or long-gun status without NFA restrictions, alongside refined chamber tolerances for improved .410 shell compatibility and minor enhancements to the extractor for reliable ejection under field conditions.^[6] These refinements prioritized regulatory adherence and practical reliability over radical redesign, sustaining output into the early 1960s until market shifts toward more modern survival firearms led to discontinuation around 1962.^[12]

Later Production and Discontinuation

Following the enactment of the National Firearms Act on June 26, 1934, Marble Arms discontinued domestic production and sales of Game Getter models featuring 12-inch and 15-inch barrels, as these configurations qualified as short-barreled shotguns under the law's definitions (barrels under 18 inches in length or overall length under 26 inches).^[13] Only the 18-inch barrel variant, which avoided such classification when equipped with its standard grip and non-folding stock, remained available for unrestricted U.S. sales. Shorter-barreled models continued to be manufactured for export, particularly to Canada, where they were offered until 1955.^[14] Model 1921 production persisted through these regulatory changes until 1942, when U.S. entry into World War II shifted manufacturing priorities toward military contracts, effectively halting firearm production at Marble Arms.^[15] Postwar resumption was limited; the company assembled a small number of final Model 1921 units from accumulated spare parts as late as 1961, according to internal records, after which the Game Getter line was fully discontinued.^[14] Over the original production run from 1908 to 1961, approximately 20,000 units were made across models.^[14] A brief third-generation revival occurred in 2009 with modern .22/.410 configurations, but this represented a limited reintroduction rather than continuation of the classic line.^[16]

Design and Technical Specifications

Barrel Configurations and Calibers

The Marble Game Getter employed a superimposed over/under barrel design, with a rifled upper barrel for small-caliber rifle ammunition and a smoothbore lower barrel for shotshells or ball loads, enabling versatile use in trapping and small game hunting.^[1]^[17] The upper barrel was standardly chambered for .22 rimfire cartridges, compatible with .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle loadings, providing precision for varmint control at short ranges.^[1] The lower barrel featured a .44 caliber smooth bore, optimized for proprietary shotshells loaded with birdshot or for single round-ball projectiles, with the .44 Game Getter cartridge typically propelled by 30 grains of black powder behind a 115-grain .425-inch ball at approximately 1,000 feet per second.^[1] In the Model 1921 and subsequent variants, the lower barrel could be configured for .410 bore 2-inch chambers, accommodating modern commercial shotshells for broader ammunition availability while maintaining the combination gun's dual-purpose functionality.^[18]^[19] Less common upper barrel options included .25-20 Winchester or .32-20 Winchester for increased power against slightly larger game, though these were not standard production configurations.^[9] Barrel lengths were produced in standard variants of 12 inches, 15 inches, and 18 inches, with factory special orders extending from 3 inches to 22 inches to suit user preferences for concealability or shoulder-fired stability.^[17]^[4] Shorter barrels under 18 inches classified the firearm as an Any Other Weapon under the National Firearms Act, reflecting its compact survival tool intent.^[20]

Mechanisms, Grip, and Accessories

The Marble Game Getter utilizes a top-break action, in which the over-under barrels pivot downward from the hinge at the rear to expose the chambers for loading and extraction.^[9] This design facilitates rapid reloading in field conditions, with extractors lifting spent casings upon opening.^[3] The primary firing component is a large, external center-mounted hammer equipped with a pivoting striker that manually selects the barrel to fire: positioned upward for the upper .22 rimfire barrel, centrally for the safe position, and downward for the lower shotgun barrel (.44 Game Getter shotshell in early models or .410 bore in later variants).^[1] The hammer is thumb-cocked prior to firing, providing a single-action operation without an internal striker or automatic selection.^[1] The grip assembly features a one-piece or two-piece hard rubber pistol grip frame, often checkered for enhanced control, screwed directly to the metal frame for secure attachment.^[9] Early Model 1908 examples employed gutta-percha or rubber grips resembling those on Webley revolvers, while the Model 1921 introduced refinements for improved ergonomics, including modified safety integration.^[4] Attached to the rear of the grip is a skeletonized tubular steel folding stock, which deploys downward for shouldered shooting or folds upward along the barrels for compact pistol-style carry, measuring approximately 24 inches overall when extended and 15-18 inches when folded depending on barrel length.^[1] Accessories supplied with the Game Getter included a fitted leather holster for the folded configuration, a takedown cleaning rod stored in the stock or case, and printed instructions for operation and maintenance.^[4] Promotional sets occasionally bundled survival tools such as a Marble pocket axe, waterproof match container, and compass, emphasizing the firearm's utility for extended outdoor excursions.^[1] Optional Marble-manufactured sights and barrel lengths were available, though core accessories focused on portability and basic upkeep rather than extensive customization.^[1]

Sights, Safety, and Ergonomics

The Marble Game Getter employed precision-engineered sights from Marble Arms, emphasizing adjustability and clarity for short-range targeting. The Model 1908 typically featured a gold bead front sight, a folding middle sight for intermediate distances, and a Marble Flexible Joint rear sight mounted on the tang for fine adjustments. Subsequent Model 1921 iterations standardized a fixed brass bead front sight with a folding leaf rear sight incorporating a U-notch, often augmented by a flip-up peep aperture positioned atop the receiver to enhance accuracy at distances up to 50 feet, where testing demonstrated groupings of 1.5 inches with .22 ammunition.^[1]^[3]^[9] Safety was integrated via a selective striker mechanism with three distinct positions: upward engagement for the upper .22 rimfire barrel, downward for the lower shotgun barrel, and a central neutral position preventing contact with either firing pin, thereby blocking unintended discharge. This striker-based system, present in the Model 1908 and refined for durability in the 1921 redesign, prioritized simplicity and field reliability over complex levers, with large components to mitigate malfunction risks in adverse conditions.^[1]^[4] Ergonomics focused on multi-role adaptability for hunters requiring a compact, lightweight tool weighing approximately 2.25 pounds. The tubular steel stock folded upward alongside the barrels for holstered carry, downward to configure as a pistol grip for close-quarters use, or fully extended for stable shouldered firing, enabling seamless transitions without tools. Grips evolved from black rubber on a nickel-plated frame in early models to smoother wooden panels in later variants, with the Model 1921 incorporating a redesigned grip angle and profile for reduced recoil fatigue and improved control during rapid top-break reloading via the rearward-pulling trigger guard. These elements supported its intended role in opportunistic small game acquisition, balancing portability against functional stability.^[1]^[3]

Usage, Performance, and Effectiveness

Intended Applications for Small Game Hunting

The Marble Game Getter was engineered as a compact, versatile firearm specifically suited for small game hunting by early 20th-century outdoorsmen, trappers, and woodsmen requiring a lightweight tool for field procurement of food.^[21] Its over-under double-barrel design paired a rifled .22 rimfire upper barrel for precise shots on furred quarry like squirrels and rabbits with a smoothbore lower barrel—chambered in .44 caliber or later .410 bore—capable of firing shot loads for birds and other evasive targets.^[4]^[1] This configuration addressed the practical needs of hunters in dense woods or remote areas, where switching between rifles and shotguns proved cumbersome.^[3] Historical marketing materials from Marble's Arms & Manufacturing Company highlighted the gun's efficacy in bagging small game, positioning it as an all-in-one solution for species such as squirrels, rabbits, woodcock, quail, and grouse.^[21] The .22 barrel delivered sufficient accuracy at typical small game ranges of 20-50 yards, minimizing meat damage from high-velocity impacts, while the shotgun barrel produced patterns with approximately 150 pellets to ensure hits on flushing birds or multiple small targets.^[21] Weighing under 4 pounds and folding to a portable length, the Game Getter facilitated extended carry during pursuits on foot, enhancing its appeal for survival-oriented hunting expeditions.^[3] Practical advantages for small game included rapid barrel selection via a pivoting hammer and the absence of need for tool-assisted reloading, allowing quick adaptation to varying quarry behaviors—solid projectiles for headshots on stationary mammals or散弾 for airborne fowl.^[22] Production models from 1908 onward, including the Model 1908 and refinements, maintained this focus, with period literature confirming its role in subsistence hunting rather than sport or large game pursuits.^[1] Despite its niche design, the Game Getter's dual-caliber versatility proved effective for ethical harvests of edible small game, prioritizing minimal waste and field efficiency over long-range power.^[21]

Ballistic Capabilities and Testing Data

The Marble Game Getter's upper .22 rimfire barrel, chambered for .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges, delivers muzzle velocities of approximately 1000-1100 feet per second from 10- to 12-inch barrel lengths, depending on the specific ammunition and load.^[23] This results in muzzle energies typically ranging from 100 to 130 foot-pounds for standard 40-grain high-velocity .22 Long Rifle rounds, providing sufficient terminal performance for small game such as squirrels or rabbits at ranges up to 50 yards, though accuracy diminishes beyond 25-30 yards due to the short sight radius and barrel length.^[23] The lower smoothbore barrel, originally chambered for .44 Game Getter shot or ball cartridges (later adapted for 2-inch .410 bore shells in some models), achieves muzzle velocities around 1000 feet per second for the 115-grain .425-inch round ball load propelled by 30 grains of black powder equivalent, yielding roughly 250 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.^[24] Shot loads, using No. 8 birdshot, produce patterns effective for birds or pests within 15-20 yards, with dispersion increasing rapidly beyond that distance in the cylinder-bore configuration.^[25] Factory testing conducted by Marble Arms on a 12-inch barrel model, evaluated at 50 feet using consistent sight settings, demonstrated the .22 barrel grouping 10 bullets into a 1.5-inch circle, indicating inherent accuracy suitable for precision varmint shots.^[1] The .44 ball load penetrated 6 inches into a pine block, while six round balls clustered within a 2-inch bullseye, underscoring its utility for medium-sized game at close range despite the modest velocity.^[1] Shot performance placed 60 No. 8 pellets within a 12-inch target, confirming dense patterns for flushing birds but limited effective range due to the light payload and short barrel, with real-world tests showing viable hits on flying ducks at similar distances (24 out of 25 shots reported by users).^[1] Anecdotal field reports from early users highlight occasional success against larger game, including a 220-pound buck taken at 130 yards with the .44 ball and bear or moose kills at 50 yards from a 12-inch barrel, though such outcomes likely depended on precise shot placement and favorable conditions rather than consistent ballistic superiority.^[1] These accounts, while promotional in origin from manufacturer correspondence, align with the cartridge's black-powder-era ballistics approximating a .44-caliber handgun load, but modern replications confirm the design's underpowered nature for anything beyond small game, with .410 shot patterns thinning unacceptably at 25 feet.^[3]^[25] Overall, the Game Getter's ballistics prioritize versatility over power, rendering it marginally effective for survival or opportunistic hunting within 20-50 yards, constrained by the short barrels' inherent velocity limitations.^[24]

Practical Advantages and Limitations

The Marble Game Getter's compact dimensions and multi-caliber design provide key practical advantages for small game procurement in survival or backcountry settings, where portability is paramount. At approximately 2.25 pounds unloaded and holster-capable, it enables unobtrusive carry by hikers or woodsmen without the bulk of longer firearms, facilitating quick deployment for opportunistic shots.^[3] The over-under barrels allow seamless alternation between .22 rimfire for furred game like squirrels or rabbits and .410 bore (or .44 smoothbore) for birds, offering adaptability across quarry types in dense cover where versatility trumps specialization.^[4] Factory testing demonstrated .22 accuracy of ten bullets in a 1.5-inch group at 50 feet from a 12-inch barrel, while .410 loads patterned 60 No. 8 shot within a 12-inch target, underscoring short-range efficacy.^[3] Field performance further highlights strengths in close-quarters hunting, with user tests showing .410 round ball loads achieving 0.75- to 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards and velocities of 1,100 to 1,400 fps, providing sufficient penetration—such as 6 inches in pine—for medium small game without excessive recoil.^[3]^[25] Optional folding wire stocks improve stability for aimed fire, and historical accounts note its use by outdoorsmen for subsistence, including rare reports of larger game dispatch at extended but atypical distances like 50 yards with ball loads.^[3] Limitations stem primarily from the abbreviated 12- to 15-inch barrels and smoothbore configuration, confining effective shotgun patterns to 15-25 feet, where .410 No. 8 shot densities remain viable (e.g., over 64 hits in 100 square inches) but disperse thinly beyond, rendering it unsuitable for open-field pursuits.^[3]^[25] The break-action mechanism demands manual reloading after each pair of shots, slowing follow-up compared to repeaters, while inherent underpower—exemplified by .44 ball velocities around 1,000 fps with black powder equivalents—precludes reliable terminal effects on game larger than rabbits or for defensive roles.^[3] Ammunition scarcity for 2-inch .410 shells and the pistol-grip ergonomics without stock can further hinder precision under stress, positioning it as a niche tool rather than a general-purpose hunter.^[3]^[4]

Legal Status and Regulatory Issues

United States Classification Under NFA

The Marble Game Getter's classification under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 depends on its specific barrel lengths and overall configuration, as the firearm features a combination rifled .22-caliber upper barrel and smoothbore lower barrel (typically chambered for .44 shotshell or .410 bore) in an over-under arrangement with a folding wire shoulder stock.^[20] The NFA regulates short-barreled rifles (rifle barrel under 16 inches or overall length under 26 inches), short-barreled shotguns (shotgun barrel under 18 inches or overall length under 26 inches), and "any other weapons" (AOW), which include concealable firearms or those with atypical designs not fitting standard categories.^[20] Variants with 18-inch barrels, as originally manufactured, are exempt from NFA regulation because both the rifle and shotgun barrels meet or exceed the minimum lengths, and the overall length surpasses 26 inches with the stock extended.^[20] In contrast, models with 12-inch or 15-inch barrels—common production lengths—are classified as AOWs due to the sub-minimum barrel dimensions for the shotgun component (triggering potential short-barreled shotgun status) combined with the overall length falling below 26 inches when the stock is folded, rendering the firearm concealable and outside standard rifle or shotgun definitions.^[26]^[27] The AOW designation specifically accommodated combination firearms like the Game Getter, which Congress intended to regulate under the 1934 Act's broadened "any other weapon" provision to prevent circumvention of barrel-length restrictions.^[7] Per ATF rulings, removing or modifying the folding shoulder stock does not exempt the firearm from NFA classification, as the design's inherent shouldering capability and original intent as a stocked weapon maintain its status.^[27] Special-order variants with barrels as short as 3 inches further ensure AOW status.^[7] Qualifying examples produced before 1968 may also be designated as curio or relic (C&R) items under 27 CFR 478.11, permitting certain interstate transfers via Federal Firearms Licensees, but NFA-registered AOWs still require ATF Form 4 approval, a $5 transfer tax (versus $200 for SBS/SBR), background checks, and compliance with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for possession and transfer.^[28]^[20]

Canadian Firearms Regulations

The Marble Game Getter's compact design, featuring over-under barrels typically measuring 12, 15, or 18 inches in length, results in its classification as a restricted firearm under Canadian law, as these dimensions fall below the 470 mm (18.5-inch) threshold generally required for non-restricted rifles and shotguns.^[29]^[30] This categorization stems from the Criminal Code's framework, where long guns not meeting standard length criteria for ordinary sporting use are deemed restricted rather than non-restricted, absent any prohibited features such as automatic capability or adaptation via shortening.^[31] The standard .22 rimfire rifle/.410 bore configuration does not trigger additional prohibitions under the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms, provided the firearm remains in original condition without modifications that could reclassify it as prohibited (e.g., further barrel reduction).^[32] Ownership requires a Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence (RPAL), which demands completion of the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course, a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) prerequisite, thorough background verification, and approval from the provincial or territorial Chief Firearms Officer confirming no public safety risk.^[33] Each individual Game Getter must then be registered centrally with the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program, involving serial number recording and ongoing compliance reporting. Transfers between individuals necessitate verification of the recipient's valid RPAL and updated registration.^[34] Transportation of a classified Game Getter is stringently regulated, permitting movement only for approved purposes such as travel to an authorized shooting range, gunsmith, or exhibition, via an Authorization to Transport (ATT) issued by the Chief Firearms Officer; general hunting or field carry, as intended for non-restricted firearms, is not permitted without exceptional variances.^[33] Storage mandates secure locking (e.g., in a safe or with trigger lock) separate from ammunition, with violations subject to Criminal Code penalties including fines or imprisonment. As of October 2025, no blanket amnesty or reclassification affects these models, though owners must monitor updates from the Canadian Firearms Program for variant-specific rulings, such as those lacking the optional folding buttstock, which do not alter the restricted status.^[35]

Implications for Ownership and Transfer

Ownership of the Marble Game Getter, particularly models with shotgun barrels shorter than 18 inches such as the standard Model 1908 variants featuring 10- to 15-inch barrels, is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) as an "Any Other Weapon" (AOW). This classification stems from the firearm's smoothbore shotgun capability in a compact configuration that does not qualify as a rifle, shotgun, or handgun under standard definitions, necessitating ATF registration for legal possession.^[20]^[36] Unregistered possession of such models constitutes a federal felony, with penalties including fines up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years. Certain variants produced with 18-inch barrels and an overall length exceeding 26 inches fall outside NFA controls, allowing unrestricted ownership akin to conventional sporting arms.^[20] Transfers of NFA-classified Game Getters require prior ATF approval via Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4, involving a comprehensive background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), fingerprinting, photographs, and a $5 transfer tax for AOWs.^[36] The process typically spans 6 to 12 months due to manual review and engraving requirements on the firearm itself. Interstate transfers demand additional ATF Form 5320.20 pre-approval, prohibiting direct private sales without federal oversight.^[37] Inheritance transfers are exempt from the tax but still mandate Form 5 filing and ATF approval to update the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Curio or Relic designation for eligible Game Getters facilitates certain exemptions for licensed collectors under the Gun Control Act but does not alleviate NFA registration or transfer protocols.^[7] Non-compliance risks confiscation and destruction by ATF, as unregistered AOWs lack amnesty programs for voluntary surrender without penalty in most cases.^[38] These requirements impose significant administrative and financial burdens, limiting liquidity in the collector market compared to non-NFA firearms.^[39]

Collectibility, Reproductions, and Legacy

Rarity, Valuation, and Market Trends

The Marble Game Getter's rarity stems from its limited production runs across models. Approximately 10,000 units of the Model 1908 were manufactured between 1908 and 1918, primarily featuring a .22 Long Rifle upper barrel over a .44 smoothbore lower barrel.^[40] The Model 1921, produced from 1921 to around 1945 with variations in barrel lengths (12, 15, or 18 inches), also totaled roughly 10,000 examples, though a small batch of about 200 units with 15-inch barrels was assembled from remaining parts and sold to collectors in 1960.^[40]^[41] Special-order or experimental variants, such as those with non-standard chamberings, number fewer than 20 per configuration according to factory records, rendering them exceptionally scarce.^[36] Valuation depends heavily on condition, originality, barrel length (with shorter barrels classified as Any Other Weapons under the National Firearms Act, requiring ATF transfer and a $200 tax stamp), and included accessories like holsters or cases. Standard models in good to excellent condition typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, per collector guides and listings as of 2023.^[18] A new-in-box Model 1921 in .22/.410 sold for $3,383 at Morphy Auctions in 2019, reflecting premium pricing for pristine examples with provenance.^[42] Recent GunBroker listings for functional .22/.410 AOW configurations have starting bids around $2,599, with buy-now options up to $2,999, while estimates for auction pieces with 15-inch barrels fall between $1,500 and $2,500.^[43]^[44] Market trends indicate steady collector demand driven by the gun's historical novelty as a combination survival tool, though liquidity is constrained by NFA regulations limiting buyers to those with federal approval. Values have appreciated modestly since the early 2010s, aligning with broader antique firearm market growth, but remain below high-end curios due to functional limitations and parts availability challenges.^[18] No significant production resurgence has occurred, sustaining scarcity, while online forums and auctions show consistent interest from enthusiasts of early 20th-century innovations, with prices holding firm amid inflation but vulnerable to condition-specific variances.^[10]^[45]

Modern Reproductions and Availability

In 2010, Marble Arms announced a partnership with Doug Turnbull Restoration to produce a third-generation Game Getter, intended to replicate the original Model 1908 design with 18.5-inch barrels chambered for .22 LR over .410 bore, incorporating historical charcoal bluing and modern assembly techniques.^[46]^[47] This effort aimed to revive the combination firearm for contemporary use, but production appears to have been limited or discontinued, as the Marble Arms official website provides no information on current manufacturing or sales of new units as of 2025.^[1] Reproduction components, such as replacement grips made from synthetic materials mimicking original walnut, are available from specialized firearms parts suppliers to restore or customize vintage examples.^[48] Full firearm replicas or new-production models from other manufacturers are not commercially offered, with market supply confined to original early-20th-century specimens traded as National Firearms Act-regulated Any Other Weapons (AOWs) on platforms like GunBroker and Guns International, where prices for well-preserved units typically range from $1,800 to $3,000 depending on condition and configuration.^[43]^[49] Availability of these originals remains steady among collectors, though transfers require federal registration and compliance with Title II regulations.

Influence on Survival and Combination Firearms

The Marble Game Getter, introduced in 1908 by Marble's Arms & Manufacturing Company, pioneered the compact, dual-purpose firearm concept tailored for field survival, featuring an over-under configuration with a .22 rimfire rifle barrel atop a smoothbore barrel chambered for .44 shot shells, and a folding wire stock for portability in hunting and trapping scenarios.^[2] This design addressed the practical need for a lightweight tool—totaling under 4 pounds and folding to approximately 16 inches—capable of harvesting small game or birds without encumbering the user during primary big-game pursuits.^[3] Its emphasis on minimalism and versatility established a template for survival weapons, prioritizing multi-caliber utility over firepower, which proved effective for self-reliance in remote areas where ammunition commonality (.22 and shotgun shells) enhanced logistical simplicity.^[50] This influence extended to military applications, most notably inspiring the U.S. Air Force's M6 Scout survival gun developed in the late 1940s, which adopted a similar over-under .22/.410 layout with a folding stock for aircrew ejection kits, enabling downed pilots to procure food in hostile environments.^[50] The Game Getter's pre-NFA (pre-1934) production of around 20,000 units demonstrated real-world viability for such systems, as evidenced by user accounts from trappers who valued its quick deployment and reliability for opportunistic shots, informing later standardized survival armaments that balanced weight, concealability, and ethical harvesting potential.^[51] Unlike bulkier alternatives, its break-action simplicity reduced mechanical failure risks in austere conditions, a causal factor in its adoption as a conceptual forebear. In contemporary combination firearms, the Game Getter's legacy persists in civilian survival models like Springfield Armory's M6 Scout variant and offerings from Savage Arms, which retain the skeletal stock and dual-barrel ethos for backpacking or emergency kits, while Chiappa Firearms produces updated renditions emphasizing .410 compatibility for modern recoil management and ammunition availability.^[3] These evolutions reflect the original's core advantage: enabling one firearm to fulfill rifle and shotgun roles without proliferation of gear, though modern critiques note limitations in terminal ballistics compared to dedicated calibers, underscoring the trade-offs inherent in compact designs.^[50] Production ceased in the 1930s amid regulatory shifts, but its foundational role in prioritizing empirical field utility over specialized performance continues to shape niche survival firearm development.^[46]

References

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Game Getter Gun - Marble Arms
By 1909, when the Marble Safety Axe Company introduced its Game Getter Gun, Webster Marble was already famous for his inventive genius.
[2]
Marble Arms (Gladstone, MI) Game Getter Combination Gun
Marble Arms' Game Getter was a combination arm initially offered in 1908. Providing a .22 caliber rifled barrel over a .44 caliber smoothbore barrel.
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Closet Classic Review: Marble's Game Getter Gun - GunsAmerica
Jun 25, 2014 · The National Firearms Act of 1934 made all of the game getters with smooth bores illegal.
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The Marbles 'Game Getter' Gun
The Game Getter came in three standard barrel lengths: 12", 15", and 18", with special orders down to 3" or up to 22". Unfortunately barrel length is what led ...
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Marble Arms Game Getter Combination Gun, Class III/NFA AOW C&R
Feb 23, 2025 · TypeAny Other Weapon ; ClassClass III ; Caliber / Gauge22/44 ; Barrel15 inch round ; Finishblue.
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MARBLE'S ARMS & MFG. CO. All Models - Gun Values
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.Missing: details | Show results with:details
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Legality of Marble Arms Game Getter Model 1908
Feb 18, 2021 · * They were legislated out of existence (sounds familiar, doesn't it!) by the US National Firearms Act of 1934, which banned shotguns with ...<|separator|>
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Marble Arms 1908 Game Getter Combo Gun, Registered AOW
Manufactured from 1908 to 1918. Bead-and-peephole front and folding adjustable notch rear sights, with the five-line "MARBLE ARMS & MFG. CO.Missing: production | Show results with:production
[9]
Marble Arms Game Getter Model 1908 - Cisco's Gallery
Caliber: The upper barrel is .22 S/L/LR. The lower barrel is .44 Shotshell. Action Type: Single-Shot Top-Break, Over/Under Combination Gun ...
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Marbles Gamegetter Model 1908 - Colt Forum
Jan 16, 2025 · It has the folding sight, folding stock and is chambered in .22 & .44. It is complete with the original wooden shipping box, hang tag and leather holster that ...
[11]
Marble Game Getter | Military Wiki - Fandom
A manually pivoted hammer striker is used to select the upper or lower barrel. Three generations of the system were/are produced—First Generation (Model 1908), ...
[12]
Marbles Game Getter Model 1921 Over/Under Combination Gun
Manufactured 1921-1962. With shoulder stock. Condition: Very good with original finish, brown-gray patina on the balance, chip absent on right grip panel.
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https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/atf-national-firearms-act-handbook-atf-p-53208/download
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Apr 17, 2007 · The most famous was the Marble Game Getter. In all over 20,000 Game Getters were produced from 1908 to as late as 1961 according to company ...
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Guns of the Week: Early Firearms Laws
Oct 24, 2014 · Marble Model 1921 Game Getter. 1.69.2129A. Marble believed this firearm would be easily carried when trapping. ... She earned her Bachelor and ...
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https://www.acant.org.au/Articles/MarblesGameGetter.html
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Marble Arms (Gladstone, MI) Game Getter Combination Gun
Barrel lengths ranged from 12 inches to 22 inches and a folding shoulder stock was also available. The National Firearms Act of 1934 required an 18 inch barrel ...<|separator|>
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Marble Arms Gamegetter - Outdoor Canada
Mar 22, 2011 · It sounds as though your firearm is the Game Getter Model 1921, which came standard with either a 12-inch, 15-inch or 18-inch barrel.
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Marbles Game Getter 1921 .22 /.44 &.410 - CT Firearms Auction
Barrel Length: 18″ Serial: 11987. Manufacturer: Marbles Caliber: .22 Over .44 or .410. Model: Game Getter Year-Range 1921 – 1923.
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[PDF] CHAPTER 2. WHAT ARE “FIREARMS” UNDER THE NFA? - ATF
Marble's Game Getter. 12 26 U.S.C. 5845(d). 13 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(2). 8. Page 5. NOTE: One version of the Marble's Game Getter was produced with 18-inch barrels ...
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Revisiting the “Game Getter” - Hensley & Gibbs
The . 44 Game Getter Ball cartridge, loaded with 30 grains of black powder and a 115-grain, . 425" diameter round ball, produced about 1000 fps, having ...Missing: World II
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The Marble Game Getter - The Casual Shooter
Nov 4, 2012 · The Game Getter was designed, as the name suggests, as a small game ... 44 smoothbore barrel, intended to fire a .44 caliber shot shell. 15 ...
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BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .22 Results
.22 Results in fps ; Gaucher Silhouette 10" barrel, 1063, 1051, 1376, 1285 ; Ruger Mark II 10" barrel, 1102, 1030, 1457, 1321 ...
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Game Getter Ball or Shot? - Marlin Firearms Forum
Aug 17, 2014 · Round balls shot better in cylinder bore .410 than 200-grain cowboy loads, shot patterns were thin at 25 feet, but good at 15 feet.Missing: capabilities | Show results with:capabilities
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Marble's Game Getter Gun—NFA, curio or relic - Gun Values
Today, 12" and 15" barrel variations are controlled under NFA in "any other weapon" category. If shoulder stock is removed from a 12", 15" or 18" barreled Game ...Missing: classification | Show results with:classification
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Firearms Guide - Identification of Firearms - Section 9 - ATF
Marble Game-Getter Gun Usually has a wire type folding stock attached. Removal of the stock from the weapon does not affect its classification as a firearm ...
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Marble Safety Axe Model 1908 Game Getter, Class III/NFA AOW C&R
Feb 22, 2025 · It is also classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are also subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. ...<|separator|>
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Barrel and Firearms Lengths
410 single-shot shotgun with an 11-3/4″ barrel, two 12-gauge pump-action shotguns with 14″ barrels, a .22 rimfire pump-action rifle with a 17-7/8″ custom barrel ...
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Marble Game Getter 18" Barrels | Canadian Gun Nutz
Dec 19, 2008 · There are 2 models 1st has rounded smaller grips and is chambered for the 44xl or game getter round and sometimes have a tang sight, 2nd model ...
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Criminal Code - R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46 (Section 84) - Laws.justice.gc.ca
Oct 15, 2025 · (i) has a barrel equal to or less than 105 mm in length, or · (ii) is designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge,.
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Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons ...
Oct 15, 2025 · Regulations prescribing certain firearms and other weapons, components and parts of weapons, accessories, cartridge magazines, ammunition and projectiles as ...
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Classes of firearms in Canada | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Mar 4, 2025 · Firearms in Canada are classified into three classes: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Non-restricted includes most rifles and ...Missing: Marble Game Getter
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Individual Web Services | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
renew your firearms licence; check your application status; register firearms; verify a buyer's licence for a non-restricted firearms transfer; apply for an ...Missing: Getter | Show results with:Getter
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Firearms | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) oversees firearms licences and registration, maintains national firearm safety training standards, assists law enforcement ...Missing: Game Getter
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Marble's Game Getter Pistol and other special-order or experimental ...
Under current law, an original Marble's Game Getter pistol is subject to registration under NFA as an "Any Other Weapon" with a $5 transfer tax. According ...Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
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Legal Tips - Paladin Armory
The only time it is paid is when a functional NFA firearm is being transferred to or from a private owner (excepting inheritance), or when a private individual ...
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How to deal with a Marble Game Getter : r/WAGuns - Reddit
Oct 3, 2024 · Get a torch and cut it in half. If his Game Getter is the 12" or 15" barreled model, then he has an unregistered Any Other Weapon.Does any one know any thing about this Marble's Game Getter : r/gunsFactory threaded model 1921 Marbles Game Getter gun - RedditMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: war refinements
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https://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365128
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Marbles Game Getter - Fourten Shotgun Resources
The first 1908 gun was shipped from the factory in June of 1909. It was produced until 1914, but guns were shipped from factory stock until May 22, 1918. After ...
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GAME GETTER MODEL 1921 For Sale - Price and Used Value
In addition to axes and compasses, Marble Arms & Mfg. Co. also manufactured its Game Getter O/U combination gun from approx. 1907 to the early 1950s. During ...
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Auction Results
(N) NEW IN BOX MARBLES MODEL 1921 GAME GETTER OVER UNDER .22/.410 (ANY OTHER WEAPON). $3,383.00. April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms ...
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marbles game getter 410/22 For Sale - GunBroker.com
RARE! Marbles game getter 22lr/.410ga. Starting Bid. $2,599.00. Buy Now. $2,999.00. 4d 21h ; Marbles Game Getter 22/410 AOW. Price. $1,800.00. Qty: 1 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Marbles Game Getter Model 1921 with 15" Barrels - Bidsquare
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500 ; About Auction · ***Marbles Game Getter Model 1921 with 15" Barrels .22 caliber S.L.L. R& N.R.A., lower barrel 44, S/N 49504. Marked on ...
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https://smkw.com/knife-101-marbles
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Marble's Game Getter Gun. - Paco Kelly's Leverguns.com
Dec 15, 2010 · – Doug Turnbull Restoration has been selected to partner with Marble Arms in the manufacture of its third generation Game Getter gun, more than ...Missing: invented | Show results with:invented
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2010 New Replica Rifles - RifleShooter
Oct 27, 2010 · And finally, Doug Turnbull Restoration and Marble Arms have teamed up to bring back the Marble's Game Getter, a popular two-shot tip-up ...
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Marble Game Getter Reproduction Replacement Grip Brown M50A
What material are the grips made of? Single Action Ivory Grip Installation · Glock Generation Fit Guide · Colt Python Grips · Triple K Reproduction Grips. Tags.<|separator|>
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Marble's Game Getter for sale - Guns International
Marble's 1921 Game Getter 22 S,L,LR / 44 GG & 410. Marked Col. Hamilton on receiver and case. Original finish. 18 inch barrels. Excellent condition and bores.
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The Combination Gun | Rock Island Auction
The M6 Scout and its folding skeleton stock was based on the Marble Game Getter, another distinct combination gun outfitted with a rifled .22 caliber upper ...
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NRA Museums - GUN OF THE DAY – Marble's Game Getter ...
Sep 18, 2015 · About 20,000 Game Getters were made from 1908 to 1914, and hunters or trappers that had one dearly loved this convenient folding stock design.