Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this single-shot falling block rifle today for a penny-start auction; this is the J. Stevens 1894 Stevens Favorite First Variation.
Based on the physical characteristics and manufacturer stamps, this rifle is a highly desirable First Variation Model 1894 Stevens Favorite, produced between 1894 and 1901. The definitive evidence is the 7 o’clock side extractor visible in your breech, a mechanical design that was phased out after 1901 in favor of center-mounted extractors. This early production date is further supported by the "J. Stevens A. & T. Co." barrel marking, which identifies the rifle as a product of the original J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, before its sale and reorganization in 1916. Combined with the 1894 patent date and the scalloped breech block, these features confirm this example is one of the original "boy’s rifles" from the first seven years of the Favorite's forty-year production run. While this specific example currently has a malfunctioning hammer, this is a common issue in these century-old firearms, often caused by a weakened mainspring, a worn sear, or a sheared "fly" within the internal trigger group.
While we believe this example is chambered in .22 LR, this must be confirmed by a qualified gunsmith to ensure it only fires period-appropriate standard velocity black powder or early smokeless loads, as using modern "High Velocity" or "Hyper Velocity" .22 LR ammunition can dangerously overwhelm the rifle's cast-iron action.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co.
Model: 1894 Stevens Favorite (First Variation)
Serial: 78208
Date of Manufacture: 1894-1901
Caliber: .22 LR
Finish: Blue with an Original Plum Patina
Barrel Length: 22" Half-Octagon
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with V-Cut Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm
Action: Single-Shot; Falling Block
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
This rifle’s identity is definitively established by the 7 o’clock side extractor and the scalloped (curved) breech block, both of which are mechanical hallmarks exclusive to the earliest production window of the 1894 model. The barrel stamping, "J. Stevens A. & T. Co.," confirms it was produced by the original J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company prior to its 1916 reorganization. While the serial number 78208 functions primarily as a batch or assembly code common for the era, the combination of the April 17, 1894, patent date and the specific side-mount extraction system places this example within the first seven years of Favorite's forty-year production run. The currently malfunctioning hammer is a typical symptom of age in this model, likely stemming from a weakened mainspring, a worn sear, or a sheared internal "fly." Regarding its operation, while we believe this example is chambered in .22 LR, this must be confirmed by a qualified gunsmith to ensure it only fires period-appropriate Standard Velocity black powder or early smokeless loads. The cast-iron receiver of the 1894 action was not engineered for modern pressures; therefore, High Velocity or Hyper Velocity .22 LR ammunition must never be used, as it can dangerously overwhelm the rifle’s action.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 1894 Stevens Favorite (First Variation)
Serial: 78208
Date of Manufacture: 1894-1901
Caliber: .22 LR
Finish: Blue with an Original Plum Patina
Barrel Length: 22" Half-Octagon
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with V-Cut Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm
Action: Single-Shot; Falling Block
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
This rifle’s identity is definitively established by the 7 o’clock side extractor and the scalloped (curved) breech block, both of which are mechanical hallmarks exclusive to the earliest production window of the 1894 model. The barrel stamping, "J. Stevens A. & T. Co.," confirms it was produced by the original J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company prior to its 1916 reorganization. While the serial number 78208 functions primarily as a batch or assembly code common for the era, the combination of the April 17, 1894, patent date and the specific side-mount extraction system places this example within the first seven years of Favorite's forty-year production run. The currently malfunctioning hammer is a typical symptom of age in this model, likely stemming from a weakened mainspring, a worn sear, or a sheared internal "fly." Regarding its operation, while we believe this example is chambered in .22 LR, this must be confirmed by a qualified gunsmith to ensure it only fires period-appropriate Standard Velocity black powder or early smokeless loads. The cast-iron receiver of the 1894 action was not engineered for modern pressures; therefore, High Velocity or Hyper Velocity .22 LR ammunition must never be used, as it can dangerously overwhelm the rifle’s action.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1177337340 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-31 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
101.01 |
