The very distinctive pot belly forend is telling. I like the older more narrow versions myself. I once had a rare 1888 Marlin in .38 WCF. It was the great, great, grandaddy of the 1894 smaller frame of late. In fact it ejected out the top just like a Winchester! I've got some photos someplace. I sold it to a Soldier in Germany and shipped it to his brother in TX.
My favorite Marlin is the "Texan" version, basically an early 336 with a straight stock.