Not 100% sure of age and value but I can tell you DON'T EVER LET GO OF IT!!
The Stevens will accept whatever caliber designation is stamped on the side of the barrel.
* Full ** Modified *** Improved Stamped on the Barrel.
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.
Stevens 12ga. /mod dhead naught
425
evidently a misprint, may be worth something to a collector.
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. "J. Stevens" was used from 1930 to 1948. Any gun built by Savage/Stevens in that time period will have chambers 2 3/4 or longer. If it also says "& Co" or "A & T" it will be older and may not.
That patent date identifies a Stevens single shot.
Iver Johnson is most often associated with the HERCULES trade name. sales@countrygunsmith.net *If that statement marked on the gun actually says "barrel and lug forged in one piece" it is a Stevens. If it says "barrel and lug forged in one" (exactly the same except no "piece") it is by Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works.
It should be stamped on the barrel It should be stamped on the barrel
The Riverside trade name was used by J. Stevens from 1915-mid 1940's. You MIGHT be able to get a precise date by contacting the Stevens historian. savagearms.com should have his contact information.
Yes in 1860 Stevens made a double barrel, all steel barrel and its has external hammers.