Any exsperts on rifles?

Question

Can you tell me where I can get information concerning a 22 caliber rifle made by the J. Stevens A&T Company, Chicopee Falls, Mass. USA pat. April 1794 It also has the number 239 .Im a women and have no clue what this stuff is worth or anything about it for that matter,I also have another one buts that one says its a trademark stevens.Any info.Thank you,also i did read up a little on it ,i guess they called it the boys rifle,it was one a father would give his son for the first time.

Answer 1

Your description was very helpful, as the presence of the "J. Stevens A&T Company" helps us establish dates.

"Stevens guns were made at the plant in Chicopee Falls, Mass. Guns made from 1864 to 1886 will be marked J. STEVENS & CO. From 1886 to 1916 they were marked J. STEVENS A & T CO or J. STEVENS ARMS & TOOL CO. No Stevens firearms were manufactured from 1916 until 1920 when Savage Arms purchased the facilities and name. From 1920 until 1942 (or '48) Savage marked guns J. STEVENS ARMS CO and after that simply STEVENS or STEVENS/SAVAGE. The Stevens name was discontinued in 1991."

So, we know your .22 was likely made 1886 to 1916.

The problem is, I'm looking at a list of all of Stevens' models and do not find a "239". Could this be "237" or "234"??

Also, does the patent date actually read

"April 17 94"

or "April 1794"

I think it reads 17 94, which is 1894, not 1794 (the company didn't exist then).

Also, is the word "favorite" stamped into the rifle anywhere?

And, one more, are you sure it's a .22 and if so, how?

Stevens made millions of these rifles, some common and some models very rare. Also, value has everything to do with condition and I don't mean "good for it's age" I mean, condition as compared with brand new in the box, no wear, discoloration, scratches, scuffs, rust, pitting, etc.

Your rifle could be one OF a million or one IN a million and the value would be anywhere from say $60 to a couple of thousand.

You can contact me at my email and I'll try to narrow it down some more for you. DJ

Answer 2

I've never seen a .22 caliber muzzleloader. The .22 rifle cartridge was invented by Smith and Wesson about the time of the War Between the States or the middle 1860's. Later on Stevens made a single shot rifle called the Favorite and the Crackshot. Stevens is now a brand of Savage Arms Co.

Answer 3

I agree with your first answer... you can also contact the Chikopee historical society. They will be able to get you in touch with someone who knows specifics.

Answer 4

you can go to gunbroker.com and they have a link for appraising firearm. this may be helpful.