Extremely scarce Davenport Arms Company, Norwich, Connecticut “Hook Lever” Rifle in desirable .22 Rim Fire caliber, only made from 1891-1896. Considered “Boys’ rifles” because of their small size, the Davenport rifles were very high quality compared to most of this genre. Offered in both .22 Rim Fire and .32 Rim Fire, the breech is of dropping block design which afforded a good margin of strength and safety should a cartridge case rupture on firing. Pulling down on the hook-shaped lever lowered the breech block for loading and extraction of a fired case. This example may be a prototype or perhaps experimental model as it is unmarked aside from the serial number 345 which is on the lever, rear portion of the forend and on the front of the receiver visible when the barrel is removed. The correct length 24” barrel appears heavier than standard and, like the receiver is not marked. Still, it is unmistakably a Davenport rifle. The receiver retains good case color in the more protected areas and on the receiver ring while the barrel shows fine blue. The rear sight is a later replacement as it is fully adjustable for windage and elevation and is Savage marked. The front sight is also unusual as it is mounted in a long dovetail. The stock and forend are fine and show original finish and retain the original smooth steel butt plate. The bore is fairly bright with fine rifling. The Davenport Hook Lever rifle is of takedown design. By rotating the lever on the right side of the receiver until it is removed, the barrel and forend assembly can be simply pulled forward to remove. This is essential for carrying in a pack or canoe. It is also convenient for cleaning from the breech. The Davenport was a very high quality rifle made in limited quantities and when encountered today usually display hard use and often abuse requiring repairs or restoration. This unusual example with stout barrel is an interesting variation that some further research might prove fruitful. A relic from a time in American history when grammar school-age boys longed for their first .22 caliber rifle. Serial Number: 345. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.