If it is as you described grab it now, $275 is a deal. Most used Marlin 1895s in good condition are going for $395. Why would anyone put their SSN on a firearm? Hopefully, that can be removed and the area refinished. A Marlin 1895 45-70 in good operating condition manufactured from 1972 to now has a safe operating pressure of 40,000 CUP. To determine the exact year of manufacture subtract the first two digits of the serial number from 2000.