^Lot 3431 STEVENS MODEL 44 1/2 .22 LR SINGLE SHOT

BREECHLOADING TARGET RIFLE WITH CASE & ACCESSORIES. Cal. 22 LR. S# 07. Bbl. 30". Model 44 1/2 single shot breechloading target rifle mfg. by Stevens. Right quarter flat of the half-octagonal bbl. is marked "TRADE MARK/ STEVENS" above patent information, with "22.L.R." marked on the left quarter flat. Underside of bbl. exhibits a partially discernible S# appearing to read "12152", followed by "2" weight marking. Lower receiver tang is stamped "07", with "0/ 0" stamped on the front flat of the frame (beneath the forearm). Frame exhibits a case colored finish, with the breechblock, hammer, triggers, and bbl. exhibiting a blue finish overall. Custom schnabel tip forearm with palm rest iron and white synthetic spacer at rear. Original Schuetzen style perch belly pistol grip buttstock with Swiss style steel buttplate. Contemporary mfg. lever is mounted with an oblong wood panel on either side. Dovetailed post globe front sight with dovetailed Lyman 2-leaf rear sight. Upper receiver tang is mounted with a flip-up disc aperture rear sight. Bbl. is drilled and tapped with 2 dovetail mounts, fitted with a Lyman Super Target Spot fixed 20x scope. Action features double triggers. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: hard case containing a wood palm rest, a packet of official 50 foot standing targets, as well as some cleaning supplies. CONDITION: receiver retains fair amounts of case coloring, with the balance having faded to gray patina, exhibiting some scattered spots of light to mild surface oxidation and pitting. Bbl. retains the majority of its blue finish, showing scattered spots and areas of wear and thinning, as well as some scattered handling marks overall. Lever retains a bright appearance, exhibiting areas of porosity towards the screw. Buttplate has faded to a dark gray patina. Mirror bore, exhibiting strong rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Wood furniture shows scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage (primarily on the buttstock), but otherwise remains sound. Underside of forearm exhibits a crack stemming from the rear screw towards the receiver. Scope retains a clear optic. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (25-6511/MLW). CURIO. $2,500-3,750.