steven model 1915 serial# 592

Question
I would like to know about how much this 22 cal. rifle is worth. It's all origonal, and is in great shooting condition. It is a true model 1915 and not a savage model 71.

Answer
Dwayne,

I believe what you must have is an original J. Stevens "Favorite".  The Favorite line was quite popular with many models.  Stevens produced hundreds of thousands of these rifle in the period between 1894 and 1935.  

By the way, the Savage model 71 you refer to was a commemorative version of the original "Favorite" that was produced in 1971.  Only 1000 of these commemorative versions were produced.

So, assuming you have one of the original "Favorites" which were manufactured from 1894-1935, the values (according to the 28 edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values) would be as follows:

100% new in box condition - $450
98% - $395
95% - $300
90% - $195
80% - $165
70% - $145

It is impossible for me to assign a grading without detailed photographs or without examining the gun.  The condition of the finish on the gun, on the furniture (stock and fore-end), the condition of the bore all affect the valuation.  Any fading or corrosion in the finish, any fading, discoloration or damage to the furniture or any corrosion in the bore will all affect the valuation downward.

If you have a version of the favorite with an octagonal barrel, you can increase the values above by approximately 1/3.

I would not advise that you do any 'cleaning up' of the original rifle as this would probably reduce the value vs. enhancing it.

You'd need to have a gunsmith or "old gun" dealer look at it to give you some kind of reliable grading, but I hope the range of values gives the info you are looking for.

Best regards,

Doug