[baines362]

I have a Stevens shotgun that has been handed down marked "J Stevens & CC Chiocopee Falls Mass Pat Sept 6 1884" It is a single barrel 12 ga tip up model with an extractor. Serial # 622x. The serial # is on the barrel, and trigger guard. I do not see it on the reciever, but the barrel is screwed in (at the pivot) and I don't want to mess with it. It is in very good shape. Can anyone tell me anything about it?

[rcmodel]

Not much, except that is is one of about a gazillion inexpensive utility grade shotguns made by them at the turn of the century.

The J. Stevens & Co was founded in 1864 and continued in business as J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co in 1888.
So, it appears your gun was made between those two dates.
In 1920, the company was acquired by the Savage Arms Company.

The gun you have has little value, as practically no one collects them, so there is no collector demand to drive prices up.

I would make no judgment on whether it is safe to shoot with modern ammo or not.
But if it was my fingers holding it & my eyeballs behind it, I sure wouldn't.

It is most certainly a black-powder gun, and would be unsafe with smokeless powder shells made today.

rc

[baines362]

Thanks, wasn't planning on shooting it as I am told it was my Great Grandfathers. My grandsons 10th bday is coming and I am thinking about giving it to him to hang in his room. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't some sort of "Hidden Treasure", just a neat piece of family history. (and yes, I have a trigger lock for it)

[baines362]

I was also wondering why it says "Stevens CC" and not "Stevens CO". It is not a worn out O......... a very clear C

[rcmodel]

Probably a broken letter O on the roll stamp die.

rc