Shapleigh's King Nitro

[Iowegan]

I bought a couple of 22 rifles from an old farmer the other day. One was a a Marlin 110 but the other has me puzzled. No serial number, no markings except 22 S, L, LR on the barrel and Shapleigh's King Nitro engraved (not roll marked) on the receiver.

The rifle is a plane Jane clip fed bolt action. The stock is walnut with sling swivels. Workmanship seem decent and the overall condition is quite good (once I cleaned it up).  I suspect it was made by Stevens or Savage because of the clip and the way it mounts.

I looked up Shapleigh's on the Internet and found it used to be a hardware store so I suspect the gun was an in-house brand.

Anyone know anything about this 22? Does it cross reference to a "brand name" gun? Is it a collectable piece?

[pinduck]

Its been a long time ago, but as I recall it was made by Savage for Shapleigh Hardware and given the name King Nitro. I have a pump rifle somewhere in all my junk with King Nitro on the action. Shapleigh was a well known brand of Hardware, we sold the line in our hardware store in the 40's.

[ajj]

My 20 ga. Shapleigh's King Nitro sxs, which I've now owned for 45 years and still shoot occasionally, was indeed made by Savage. I believe Shapleigh was based in St. Louis. Thanks for the memories.