It can be difficult, since they were not marked on the early singles. Would have to know how the barrel is constructed, type of action, receiver profile, etc. sales@countrygunsmith.net
Massachusetts Arms Company: Trade name used by J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company on firearms for Blish, Mizet and Silliman Hardware Company of Atchinson, KS. The name is also attributed to Crescent Firearms, but a single shot with a Chicopee Falls address is almost certainly a Stevens.
Sometime between 1920 and 1948.
$35 to $75, depending on condition.
Stevens j arms company only made one single shot shotgun which was the model 94 chambered 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 ga. They manufactured it from 1929-about 1940. They are notorious for not always placing a serial number on the frame, but some numbers can often be found if you take the shotgun down to the forarm. Exact age can be difficult to determine without serial numbers.
== == One is for sale at the Red Mill antiques in Bloomsburg, PA for $198. (07/29/2006)
patented Dec. 11. 1900 probably a Stevens modelAnswerThe date mentioned in the first response is indeed a J. Stevens patent. Shotgun Markings says that Massachusetts Arms single shotguns by Stevens were made "1920 and later". If that date does not belong with the gun in the original question, the REAL Massachusetts Arms Company made a few shotguns in Chicopee Falls between 1860 and 1893. These would have an unusual tip-up action and look a bit odd when compared to a modern single shot top-break.
The Stevens/Springfield single-shots routinely bring under $100 at retail. sales@countrygunsmith.net
MOST of the single shot shotguns do not have really high values. The Stevens is a good gun- dependable, reliable, well made- but not a lot of collector interest. Depending on condition, a Stevens single may be worth between $50-$175. I keep a few of the singles around as loaner guns to new shooters- they are a very good shotgun for a "first shotgun".
Made between World War I and World War II. No collector interest, value would be under $100. Have it checked thoroughly by a reputable gunsmith before shooting. sales@countrygunsmith.net
Under $100. sales@countrygunsmith.net
Yes, I believe it was. I have a Model 53-B (single shot .22LR) and it says on the barrel 'SPRINGFIELD MODEL 53-B, Manufactured by J. Stevens Arms Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A.'
This trade name gun was made for Blish, Mizet and Silliman Hardware Company of Atchinson, KS, by J Stevens Arms Co c. 1920-1945.