Exceedingly scarce and exceptional condition Stevens “Favorite” SHOTGUN. Almost the entire manufacturing run of the famous Stevens Favorite dropping block rifle was made in .22 Rim Fire or .25 Rim Fire calibers. This example, which may very well be a special order to Stevens, was made as a smooth bore and chambered for the .32 Rim Fire Shot cartridge! Generally these small gauge shotguns were intended as “garden guns” for eliminating vermin and pests or, in takedown versions like this, easily packed into the field, for scientists of the day intending to collect specimens for study or museum display. The light charges of extremely small shot (often #12 “dust” shot) did not damage the pelts of small birds and animals intended for the taxidermist. This example with serial number G 197 is in outstanding condition and retains nearly all of the vivid case colors on the receiver. Interestingly, the top of the receiver is correctly octagon shaped to match the barrel, but on this one, the top flat is actually fluted or concave to lower the height for sighting. Since there is no provision for a rear sight as on a rifle, one must simply look along the barrel top to the shotgun bead front sight. The 22” half octagon barrel shows a lovely deep blue and is clearly marked with the correct J. Stevens A. & T. Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A. markings along with the April 17, 1894 patent date. The left side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver is caliber stamped “32-SHOT.” The stock and forend are in fine condition and show non-standard checkering which may have been special ordered. The original hard rubber shotgun butt plate is deeply embossed with the Stevens Favorite logo. The action is tight and the bore is fine. Takedown of this Stevens Favorite Shotgun is simple. One merely unscrews the looped- screw ahead of the receiver and the entire gun can be effortlessly pulled apart into two easily packed pieces. One of the most unusual and rare Stevens we have seen, this is an outstanding small bore shotgun from a prolific American manufacturer. A Stevens or shotgun collector could search gun shows and listings for decades and not encounter another of these. Serial Number: 197. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.