essex rifle

Question
My dad has a rifle that we are trying to find some more information about. It has "ESSEX" and "22 long rifle" on the barrel. He said it has a "closed site" at the end of the barrel. Is there any information you can give us on this item, MFG?, origin, actual amount of rifles made, etc?

Answer
Hello Karen.
  You rifle was most likely manufactured by J. Steven between 1900 and 1919. It may have been manufactured for the Belknap Hardware Company with their choice of name (Essex)stamped on the barrel. However, I don't find any with reference to a 'hooded' front site. If so, it would have been manufactured in an unknown quantity. The value of  one in good condition would be in the $75 to $100 range. If you could post a picture of the rifle for me, I may be able to find more information for you. Thanks for asking for me. Charles Gage