September 15, 16, & 17, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Lot #3297:
(C) FACTORY ENGRAVED STEVENS NO. 44 .32-40 SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE
Similar to the famed target rifles built on the larger 44 1/2 frame that was introduced in 1903, this target model was built on the No. 44 frame. There is no model number stamped inside the frame. This rifle has the matching number stamped under the octagon to round barrel, on the frame, as well as "315" stamped inside the case colored Swiss butt plate. Caliber designation stamped under the barrel. The Stevens legend is stamped on top of the barrel. John W. Sidle Philadelphia made 36" long 3/4" tube scope with standard crosshair reticle, the adjustable rear mount dovetailed where a rear sight would be and the front mount in the front sight slot. Sidle established a reputation for building some of the finest target scopes beginning in the 1880s, working in Philadelphia until moving to California in 1908. The frame features an engraved American eagle with "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" ribbon hanging from its beak on the left side and antlered game on the right, all surrounded by scroll and case colored as is the block, hammer, lever, and butt plate. The straight grip walnut perch belly stock is hand checkered with piano finish as is the matching forearm with Schnabel tip. CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains the majority of its blue finish showing minor handling marks. The frame screws are true and retain the nitre blue. The butt plate still retains the majority of its bright colors and the hammer, lever and block still show nice color. Stock is fine with sharp checkering but the left side of stock has a stress crack. The forearm shows a hint of finish wear. The tube scope has toned but appears dent free but a bit cloudy.