The $100 Marlin story Mehul Kamdar posted reminded me of an incident from my youth.
One day, a long, thin box arrived addressed to my father - this was about 1980.
Inside was a Marlin lever action with a hand written note and a $100 bill around the barrel.
It was from an old childhood friend of my father's whom had "borrowed" the Marlin. It was around 1950 when my dad had lent the rifle to his buddy and over the passing years he had forgotten all about it.
The rifle itself was, and still is, in near perfect condition - obviously well cared for.
Just a little example of "better late than never". I had never seen my father so excited - like a little kid on Christmas. Must have felt like the day it was given to him all over again.