There were too many various rifles made by J Stevens between 1896 and 1933 to identify yours. You will need to have the rifle identified by a gun smith or collector to be able to learn more about it.
The Stevens will accept whatever caliber designation is stamped on the side of the barrel.
* Full ** Modified *** Improved Stamped on the Barrel.
Manufactured between 1886 and 1916.
The "J.Stevens" name was shortened to "Stevens" in 1940. What you need to look for is the chamber size, which should be stamped on the barrel. It needs to be 2 & 3/4 inches to shoot modern ammo. Also Stevens usually stamped near the chamber size if the barrel was proof tested. My Stevens single is stamped "Proof Tested Steel" and it handles modern ammo well, but kicks like a mule. To be really safe, let a gunsmith look at it.
Just the barrel?
The patent date you are looking at does not indicate a year of manufacture. Stevens made many different models of double-barrel shotgun. Which model do you have? sales@countrygunsmith.net
No
Stevens 12ga. /mod dhead naught
425
evidently a misprint, may be worth something to a collector.
By the specific serial number stamped into the frame.
Date code is stamped on barrel, see related links for information on the Remington Society of America.