I've been asked by our neighbor (an elderly widow) to find the value of an old Stevens .22 Crackshot. It is in very good shape (I would estimate 80%) and still has the canvas takedown case I presume it came in.
The bore is in excellent condition and it is fully functional with 22" barrel and original sights. There was at one time a tang site mounted, but no longer. My de Haas book says that the 22"er was made with color case hardened receiver, but this particular specimen is clearly blue. It does not appear to be reblued as all markings are still very crisp. Markings are according to de Haas except for SVG circled on the left rear of the receiver, a circled 5 on the left breech, a circle 15 on the left front edge of the receiver, and "Regular Cartridges" on the top of the barrel. Those also may be normal, but de Haas never mentions them.
Again, according to de Haas, the No. 26 was made in quite some numbers, but I've checked all the auction / classified sites and have come up with a grand total of 7 for comparison, and none with a takedown case.
Anyone out there a knowledgable Stevens fan or know of a Stevens Collectors Association that can point me in the right direction? Again, I've done searches and haven't come up with any.
The owner is a real sweetheart and getting max value for her is important to me so any assistance the forum could give would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
MadBadger
p.s. She grew up in Canada, and her father found the gun in a barn on the property they purchased.