The Stevens Tip-Up pistol is this month’s featured “This Old Gun”.

Joshua Stevens founded J. Stevens & Co. in Chicopee Falls MA in1864 to manufacture his newly patented tip-up action single shot pistols of his design.  In the 1870’s Stevens introduced rifles based on his same tip-up design.  Both tip-up rifles and pistols were offered in many different barrel configurations and chamberings.  Later Stevens improved his single shot rifle designs with the famous Ideal and Favorite lines.

Stevens’ reputation for quality firearms grew, and by 1902 the company was advertising as “the world’s largest producer of sporting firearms”.  In 1920 the Sevens plant was acquired by the Savage Arms Co. and operated as a subsidiary.  Savage still uses the Stevens brand name today on bolt action rifles.

The particular model pictured is what Stevens called their No. 41 pistol.  This little pocket pistol has a 3 ½” barrel and is chambered in .22 rimfire.  The No. 41 was introduced in 1896 and discontinued in 1916.  Total production was about 90,000.  This pistol has most of its original finish, blued barrel and small parts, nickel plated frame and oil finished walnut grips.  The overall condition is very typical of the specimens found today, and actually a little better than most.  At this time in history guns were bought to use, and used they were.  Specimens with 90% or more finish are extremely rare.  I have seen similar pistols in similar condition sell for about $200 to $300.