J Stevens 22 rifle marksman

Question
I have a 22 rifle Marksman made by J Stevens Arms Co. with a serial number "A 969" I'm looking for any info about these guns aprox when made, value. History is My Great Grandfather bought this in Ohio at Montgomery Wards for $ 5.00 and got a box of shells and cleaning kit included. My father who turns 77 this year has had it sense early 1960's. My father just passed it down to me this year, in the late 60's early 70' it hung in my room and as a curious kid I would break it down and saw a shell in the chamber I would close it up and put it back on the wall later I would check it again and same thing it was years later he told me the shell had been shot, but it served its purpose I always thought it was loaded and would not play with it or try to pull the trigger. So I guess it has more personal value than anything else.
Thank You
Ray

Answer
Hi Ray,

Thanks for your question.  The J. Stevens No. 12 Marksman is a classic.  Originally designed as a boy's type single shot rifle, it carries the traditional J. Stevens profile.  The typical configuration is the underlever that allows the barrel to tip up for loading, a round tapered barrel, walnut stock and forend, blade front sight and "V" block rear sight.  There is also a knurled thumbscrew that can be loosened to allow takedown of the rifle.  In 95% condition, these rifles are worth around $300.  In 80% condition, the value drops to around $225.  These rifles were made from 1912 to 1933.  There were around 166,500 of these guns made.  Unfortunately, there are no reliable serial number records.

Hope this helps you out a bit...

Best regards,

Doug Little