Savage Single-Shot 16 ga

Question
I have a Stevens 16 ga single shot in good to fine condition.  Finish is about 90% with no major dings and no signs of previous refinishing or bluing.  Barrel and receiver have very slight surface rust with no pitting.  Action works perfectly, interior parts are in excellent condition, and barrel is shiny inside. Single bead sight is original and in excellent condition. Buttplate is in excellent condition.  Problem is that there is no serial or model number anywhere on any part.  The receiver is inscribed as follows: STEVENS, above Savage Arms Corporation, above Chicopee Falls, Mass. USA.  There are three characters on the bottom of the barrel that appear to be C, O, and Z, all imprinted at different angles, spacing and orientation.  Given the absence of identifying numbers, I have had a tough time finding information from blue Book and other references. Can you offer any information on the age, history, and value for this weapon?  

Answer
Hi Bill,

It is a bit of a challenge for me also,  having limited information on the gun.

Basically what you have is a Stevens single shot shotgun. The company made a number (over two dozen) of these break open single shot shotguns. They were chambered for various gauges, barrel lengths, and chokes. All were very similar in appearance and were made to be inexpensive, utility grade guns. There if very little collector interest in any of these guns.

Although there is no way that I can advise you of exactly which model that you have I can tell you that most of these if in "good" condition have a retail value of approximately $100 to $200.

Sorry, but I do not have a date of manufacture.

Thanks for the question.
Sid Lark