MS 162 - Winchester and Marlin Firearm Catalogues and Literature, 1933-1999 | McCracken Research Library

Winchester began in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1849 as the New Haven Arms Company.  Purchased by Olin Family’s Western Cartridge Company in 1931 Winchester became the Winchester-Western Co. During World War II the company was acquired by the GIAT Industries (Groupement des Industries de l’Armee de Terre, Army’s Industry Group) owner of Browning Arms and Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium. In the early 1980’s Winchester headquarters moved from New Haven to Alton, IL and the Olin Corporation diversified its interests in firearms through plants in Hingham, Massachusetts, and Japan. The former New Haven headquarters became the U. S. Repeating Arms Company which manufactured ammunition for Winchester firearms. In 1981 employees of the Winchester Corporation purchased the gun-manufacturing division but difficult times during the 1980’s lead to its sale to investors in 1987. Winchester now manufactures only in the United States under the name U.S. Repeating Arms Company. Marlin Firearms Company is considered the oldest family owned firearms company in the United States.

Started in New Haven Connecticut in 1863 by John Mahlon Marlin, Marlin manufactured pistols until the introduction of Ballard rifles in 1875. In 1881 the first lever-action repeating rifle made his company famous and the business was incorporated as the Marlin Firearms Company. During 1915 the capital stock and the Marlin plant were purchased by William P. Bonbright & Co. Inc. under a contract with Albert F. Rockwell. In 1917 Marlin Firearms reorganized and purchased the Hopkins & Allen Arms Company. Despite the efforts to hold on to the company it failed to meet mortgage payments and went into foreclosure in 1922. In 1924 Frank Kenna purchased the buildings that housed the Marlin Firearms Company for $100.00 at a sheriff’s sale. In 1926, after negotiating with the bank to purchase the mortgage of The Marlin Fire Arms Company for $95,000, Kenna reincorporated the company as Marlin Firearms.