In my opinion (which is worth what you want to put into it) the original Malin JM's are the 'sleeper' guns of tomorrows collecting market. In short buy every high quality example you can now and in 10 or so years you'll have a very collectable rifle. Original Winchesters are out of reach for most of us but the original Marlins are still a relative bargain when compared against them. The move Remington made with Marlin was a disaster, only now being corrected. Fit, finish and function from what i've read are not even close to what they were before the move, they lost alot of talent from the old school employees when they relocated the manufactuing facility.
I've been lucky enough over the years to have purchased some pristine examples and have kept them that way, yes I do shoot them but do not abuse them.
For instance 20+ years ago I bought an 1894cl in .32-20, i believe I paid maybe $300 for it (can't remember) but now price it on GoneBroker and see what they are bringing. The 1894cb Classic in .45 Colt I bought from a pawn shop 6 years ago for $450 has about doubled in price and the 1895cb .45-70 is one I'll never part with. I installed a Marbles tang sight and Lyman globe site up front along with Wild West trigger and Bear proof ejector on it and it shoots and functions like a dream.
I had a SS 1895g which was a fine rifle but it kicked so bad with Leverreolution ammo I had to sell it, got tired of swollen jawbone.
The older Marlins represent an affordable firearm, quality built, that hasn't seen the market rocket off, YET, but it is coming. Get them in the best conditon you can, while you can. You will thank yourself later.
I've been collecting now for over 45 years and I'm saying this from experience. These will start rising in value sooner than you think.
RD