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Make: J. Stevens & Co.
Model: Tip-Up
Serial Number: 9091
Year of Manufacture: 1870-1886 / ATF Classification: Antique
Caliber/Gauge: .22 Long
Action Type: Breech loading, tip-up single shot
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded fine post with a blade on top of the hood. The rear sight is a v-notch that flips up to be an adjustable elevation peep sight. The rear sight does not have its detent spring and will fold freely.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished stock is wood with a straight comb, straight wrist grip, and a crescent metal buttplate. The buttplate shows pitting. The furniture shows moderate wear with a few pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches mostly under the current finish. The LOP measures about 12.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a badger engraved into the left side of the stock. There are cracks running from the upper tang, upper right side of the receiver, and lower right side of the receiver. This furniture rates in Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is heavy erosion and pitting throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its current metal finish. The barrel shows scattered wear and areas going to a light patina with some scattered nicks and scratches. There is some light erosion. The receiver and trigger guard show pitting, dings, and scratches under the new finish. The screw heads range from lightly tooled to moderately tooled and retain strong slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a classic early American rimfire that represents one of the formative designs in small caliber sporting rifles. The tip up action opens at the breech, allowing direct loading of a single cartridge, and closes with a simple, positive lockup. The long 24" barrel gives the rifle a slender, elegant profile and a generous sight radius, reflecting the shooting styles and expectations of the late nineteenth century. Stock lines are straight and utilitarian, consistent with the practical sporting arms produced during this period.
Mechanically, Stevens tip up rifles are admired for their simplicity and durability. These rifles were widely used for target practice, small game, and general marksmanship during a time when affordable and reliable firearms were becoming accessible to a broad segment of the American public.
Historically, J. Stevens and Company was one of the most influential American firearms makers of the late 1800s, and the tip up series played a major role in establishing Stevens as a leader in rimfire production. Rifles of this pattern were produced in large numbers and helped define the transition from muzzle loading arms to self contained metallic cartridge firearms. As an Antique example from the 1870 to 1886 production period, this rifle stands as a tangible artifact of early American firearms innovation and nineteenth century sporting culture.