J. Stevens Arms
This
beautiful falling block rifle is the "Model 44", also known as the "Stevens
Ideal Single Shot Rifle".
It
appeared in 1893 and was replaced in 1904 by the "Model 44 1/2" intended for
live powder (Removable Sideplate Ideal Rifle). The pronounced comb behind the
hammer and the central screw under the thunder on the left side indicate here
the Model 44 for black powder. The 44 1/2 has a much less pronounced comb, and a
visit plate on the right side; moreover, it does not have this central screw.
All
versions of the Ideal are "take down".
The
famous Annie Oakley used such a Stevens, gold plated and factory engraved when
she performed with her husband in the Buffalo Bill show. This gun still exists
and is in the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming. With the mirror she used to
pull back and kill the apple on her husband's head.
This gun
was offered in a number of different calibers, including some English calibers;
this not necessarily for export, but because these calibers, more powerful than
their American counterparts, were popular among American sport shooters - and
still are today (other ex: the civilian Colt new Service 1909 in .455 Eley
caliber, or the S&W in .44 Russian). The 297/250 caliber is therefore perhaps
not very common, but it is neither surprising nor really rare in the USA.
There are
a large number of small variations in this model, so much so that a collector
who wanted an example of each of them would have a lot of trouble finding them
all.
This is
one of the best and most reliable sporting/hunting rifles produced in the USA
around the turn of the century.
Having
appeared towards the end of the century, this single-shot weapon never had a
military vocation, since it was obsolete compared to the many bolt-action or
snuffbox rifles already adopted years earlier by the armed forces.
Of
course, some were ordered in English calibers with a view to export. A dating of
the punches could even indicate whether this is indeed the case, or whether it
was purchased by an Englishman and officially imported later, since all weapons
not manufactured in the UK must be re-tested if they come from countries whose
test method is not accepted by the authorities
Marcel
J. Stevens Arms
Here is a Stevens pistol, Diamond model 43.
I find everything and anything on the internet about this weapon.
First of all, I think it must be the "first model" version, because the "second
model" seem to have an adjustable rear sight.
I find it given for 22 short, and also for 22 LR; which is the truth? (I no
longer have a 22 LR cartridge to check).
What interests me the most is the date of manufacture. The information often
gives from 1896, but you can see in the screenshot of Wikipedia the dates of the
different company names of this company.
Mine corresponds to the period 1864/1886 given its marking.
It has a small number (4493); perhaps a specialist could situate its period of
manufacture?
Gilles
It is
indeed a Diamond 43 1st model (the second model usually has its front sight
included in a ring).
As its
number is lower than 26,000, it must not be intended for the 22 LR but for the
22 short.
The
marking is indeed compatible with a production between 1864 and 1886. And that
is very interesting because the No. 43 would not have been produced until 1886!
And so this pistol can only have been produced in 1886... QED, unless there is a
bug in the information from the American experts...
Chris
J. Stevens Arms
I did buy this Stevens "Crack shot" rifle for only $200. It was made about 1918 and marketed as a rifle for boys.
I note
that you do not have one like this on the page for Stevens Arms and Tool
company.
0Roger
J.Stevens A & T C°
This pistol of shooting or living room is a small weapon coming from the United States, Diamond No 43 second model Stevens.
Production 70.000 between 1896 and 1916. Barrel of 6 inches, 15 cm. Caliber 6mm short.
On the barrel, J. Stevens A & T Co, Chicopee Falls, Mass. USA.
Bert
Stevens "Vernier New Model"
Stevens "Vernier New Model" Pocket Rifle and Stock: 22 cal., single shot. The 15" rd. bbl. has an open rear sight and globe beach front sight.
Thanks to "CWSLAGLEANTIQUES" for the pictures
Stevens Reliable Pocket "No. 42" 2nd Issue
Stevens Reliable Pocket Rifle "No. 42" 2nd Issue and Stock: 22 cal., single shot. The 6" rd. bbl. has Stevens rear peep sight and a factory globe front sight. Nickel finish and checkered walnut two-piece factory grips.
Stevens "New Model Pocket", 2nd Issue
Stevens "New Model Pocket Rifle", 2nd Issue and Stock: 22 cal., single shot. The 10" rd. bbl. has a globe front sight and adjustable rear peep sight.
Stevens Diamond "No. 43 2nd Issue"
Stevens Diamond "No. 43 2nd Issue" Pistol: 22 cal., single shot. The 6" round barrel has blue finish, adjustable rear sight and post front sight. The frame and back strap has nickel finish. The two-piece walnut grips are varnish.
Stevens "No. 41 Tip-Up" Pocket
Stevens "No. 41 Tip-Up" Pocket Pistol: 22 cal. single shot, 3 1/2" round barrel. All metal has nickel finish, blue hammer and trigger, all blue screw heads. Two-piece walnut grips.
