oldd single shot,shotgun

Question
Doug,i have a old shot gun,that so far i have not id,the only making that i found is riverside fire arm,made in the us.can you help me id this gun

Answer
Donald,

The Riverside Arms Co. name first appears in the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass., catalogue No. 54 issued circa 1914 on a hammerless double the No. 315 and a hammer double No. 215. These guns were based on G.S. Lewis Patents No. 1,086,378 granted Feb. 10, 1914, for the hammer gun and Patent No. 1,136,247 granted Apr. 20, 1915, for the hammerless gun.

Riverside and Riverside Arms Co are names the Stevens Arms Company used on their less expensive shotguns made from 1915 on. While I'm not sure, I think the gun is the same as a Stevens Model 311. The gun was not as well finished as the Stevens gun and had a hardwood stock such as beech instead of a walnut stock. Otherwise the guns are the same.

You did not ask about value but I'll try and give you some guidance.  Value of an old shotgun depends on the condition, the amount of original finish left on the metal and wood as well as the mechanical condition. Values for "Trade Brand Name" shotguns which is what you have run about 15 % less than the same identical gun with the manufactuers name on it.

Values for a Stevens Model 311 run from a high of about $215 for a 100% condition to $165 for a 60% condition. If you really want to know just when the gun was made contact:

Older Stevens Historical Research
Mr. John Callahan
53 Old Quarry Road
Westfield, MA 01085
There is a $15.00 research fee per gun.

He can tell you exactly what information he'd need from you do the research...

Hope this helps you out.

Regards,

Doug Little