Question
Double Barrel 
Bay State
I am having a very difficult time finding out information about a double barrel shotgun and a single shot shotgun that I inherited from my father. All of the identifying information I can find I have listed below. I am trying to determine a value and learn of their age. Any information you can provide would be of great help.
Double Barrel 12 Gauge:
Used but in very good condition. Minor scratches on stock no pitting in barrels. It has stamped on the top of the left barrel Fox Savage Arms Corporation Model B. It also has Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A. stamped underneath on the same barrel. The right barrel has PROOF TESTED 12 GAUGE and -2 ?INCH CHAMBER- directly under it. It has a ventilated rib and two triggers. Stamped on the flat of the receiver and also on the bottom of the barrel the following卼he capital letters of C D and then the letters A and F both inside separate circles. Underneath and in front of the trigger the following is stamped inside a circle 23K. There is no serial number that I can find. There is a FOX emblem engraved on both sides of the receiver and also a duck scene forged on the bottom in front of the trigger guard but not interfering with the 23k stamp. There is also a small plastic disc screwed into the bottom of the pistol grip and a plastic butt screwed into the butt end. There is an ejector for the shells and a safety below the break, with the word SAFE stamped above it.
Single Barrel 12 Gauge:
Fair condition. Side to side movement when opened not when closed, red painted stock (don抰 know why??), no pitting in barrel. Stamped on left side ?Bay State Worchester Mass, Serial# 567442 stamped on the bottom of the barrel, 12 GAUGE stamped on top of the barrel, no other markings that I can find. Single action trigger with external hammer.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.
AnswerHello Curt.
According to the book "Savage & Stevens Arms Collector's Fourth Edition' by Jay Kimmel, your Savage Fox Model B was manufactured between 1946 and 1959. These were the years that Savage used the old Stevens factory in Chicopee Falls, Mass. The other letters and numbers you list, are inspection and part numbers. There were no serial numbers needed since it was manufactured before the 1968 Gun Control act. You ask about a value. Pricing is only relevant after deciding on the condition of the individual firearm. 'Blue Book of Gun Values' by Fjasted, lists a common figure of a Model B at $200 for 60% to $450 at 100% condition.
Your Bay State was most likely manufactured by Harrington & Richardson sometime between 1916 and 1942. Values on these single shot shotguns are usually between $75-$125.
I hope this helps answer your questions. Please rate my answer, and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage
