it means it was manufactured on April 17,1894 . I have the same rifle and manufactured date. I am wondering what the value is . If you find out my e-mail is scottbartel@live.com
The Stevens 311 was marked as model 5000 from about 1920 to 1931, then 5100 until 1941. Most references just list the 311 as if it had the same model number for the entire production period.
The address of the Chicopee Falls Branch Library is: 216 Broadway, Chicopee, 01020 2621
The phone number of the Chicopee Falls Branch Library is: 413-592-1820.
savage arms company was located in chicopee falls mass. from 1946-1960.
You have an interesting gun. Thet were made from 1920's until 1934. They stopped making them because under the new gun laws it was considered a sawed off shotgun.
I suspect you are confusing a patent date marking with a model number. What are the other markings on the gun? sales@countrygunsmith.net OK. The best we can do is narrow it to the 1930's. No factory records exist. This was after the Savage takeover, and Stevens was still producing guns in the Chicopee Falls plant. They used the Springfield name as a value-brand.
The value of a J Stevens Co Chicopee Falls Mass U.S. Patten September 6, 1864 depends on its condition. This gun in excellent condition is valued between 275.00 and 325.00 as of 2014.
Some guns cannot be dated due to lack of information. Yours is one.
Does it say "Mass" or "Massachusetts" Arms?
i don't know this answer but i have a this exact shotgun that was patented on this exact date that was given to me from my grandpa
== == One is for sale at the Red Mill antiques in Bloomsburg, PA for $198. (07/29/2006)
63 years old