.25 J Stevens A&T Co. ?

Question
First, Thank you for making yourselves available for those of us who have only a limited bit of info., and knowledge.
My husband past away this last Christmas, leaving me several older firearms.
I know about most of them, however I don't know anything about his: .25cal. Stevens. the Pat. date I think is APR.17 '94 or '04 they are kind of worn down. Under the lever action I found what appears to be: {J 1664 9}
I think my husband told me once that it is a [rolling block] or maybe a [drop block].
The gun belonged to his older sis, she bought it new. My husband born in 1926 used to use it for squirrel hunting when he was young.
Again, thank you for your time.

Answer
Ann,

Thanks for your note.  While I can't be completely sure from you limited description, it sounds like you have a J. Stevens Model 44 "Ideal".  The Ideal came in calibers ranging from .22 LR up through .44-40 WCF.  It had a rolling block, lever action, straight grip stock and came in either a 24 or 26 inch barrel.  They were manufactured between 1894 and 1932.

The values for this gun can be pretty high, generally between $300 and $500 depending on the condition.  

If you can find more info written on the barrel or underneath the action, I might be able to tell you more, but based on what I know this is my best guess.

Hope this finds you well and thanks again for the note.

Best regards,

Doug