Marlin Firearms was located in New Haven, Conn from 1870 to 1969.
In 1922 Marlin changed the original Model 1897 to the Model 39.
The Model 39 was made from 1922 to 1938. In 1938 the name was changed again to the Model 39-A.
There were between 40,000 to 50,000 Model 39 rifles made.
Early rifles with no letter prefix to the serial number were noted for their superior workmanship and better finish.
The barrel should be octagon, so it's probably been replaced with a Model 39-A barrel.
With that serial number, the rifle was probably built within the first two or three years of production.
HOWEVER, since the only place the Model 39 is stamped is on the replaced barrel, it's at least possible your rifle really is a early Model 1897.
If your rifle is a Model 39, it should be so stamped on the top tang.
Here's a site with some identification info on the Marlin rifles:
http://www.wisnersinc.com/rifles/marlin/rflever.htm