I have a 1948 336A waffletop that some previous owner had attempted to drill for bases. Does anyone have a decent gun smith recommendation that could fill these holes and restore the waffle top pattern?

Art's Gun Shop Art Isaacson
Hillsboro,MO 63050

He's a Browning guy but he works on anything

The guy is a gun repair wizard

I had a rusted/pitted hole the size of a dime in a Browning barrel and he made it disappear.

Not sure how he could restore the waffle pattern though hack of a nice guy to talk to on the phone, check out his work on his web sight.

Just caught up with your Thread. The 'real world' answer... For quality gunsmithing labor at prevailing prices, the costs would considerably exceed the resulting value. Best to leave it & enjoy it unrestored!' If you're set on such a year Marlin, check the markets periodically! The "Waffle Top" style - artistic waivy lines on the action top without drilling & tapping - existed until 1953. In about that time period they begin to D&T as well as bluing for short period, then moving to greyish sandblast. All are nicely done.
To me, the early Marlins broadly defined to about 1980 - before the crossbolt safety - are all great guns and infinitely better quality as better priced than the latest Ruger Marlin pricey iterations!
Just my take!
Best!
John