Looking for information sources. In general for what was offered and when. Specifically on a model No.555. I know they had upwards of 100 models.

Catalog descriptions or value guides seem about the only easy sources, are there other books that would be beneficial?

There are at least two Stevens catalogs dedicated just to the company's telescopic sights.  The more common one is traditionally dated 1903 and has been reprinted at least twice.  The current reprint is offered by Cornell Publications in Michigan.  Unfortunately the veracity of their reprints has been questioned more than once in collectors' forums (this one included).

As for the other catalog, original copies have shown up on eBay only twice in the last 12 years or so (I was the underbidder both times) and as far as I know, it's not been reprinted.

Last, and sadly, the article listed by Redsetter is pretty much your only other alternative, if you can find it.

Bill Lawrence

So far the only thing I have seen was out of Stroebels. But I have not seen any of the dedicated scope catalogs. Any idea if it isn’t in any of the reprinted catalogs?

The roll mark is J Stevens arms & tools co. Which I thought was the earlier, pre war, stamp.

Great, always wanted a reason to have a pocket rifle

Thanks for that.  I had seen the 545 in an ad, but not the 555. Looks like a catalog or two should be in the future.

Congratulations, Redsetter, on acquiring originals of both catalogs.  I only have the 1903 (and, yes, its cover is exceptional), and you pretty much do have to be the Deep Pockets who outbid me for the other one.  Oh, well, maybe I'll luck out next time (assuming that there is one).

Also, congratulations to you, Dellet, if your inquiry means you've acquired a scoped pocket rifle.  They are, in my less-than-humble opinion, one of the rarest Stevens products.  They're also the answer to another poster's statement some time ago that "You can't hit anything with a pocket rifle anyway".

Bill Lawrence

Bill Lawrence wrote on Aug 11^th, 2018 at 9:16am:


Don't have one yet, but have been looking for a while. Finding the scope adds some incentive and became available first, but I am not sure of the mounts 

Mounted on a 44 to check it out and it is very clear. I was surprised that the eye relief actually is correct for off hand. either way it's a nice little scope.

The front mount is V notched but possibly added. 

Only one faint mark that looks like a 6 or 8 on the rear base. I had considered Malcom as a possibility for the mounts. 

Dellet wrote on Aug 10^th, 2018 at 11:00pm:

Know a fellow who has a setup like the one pictured above, thought the frame is slightly larger than the later pocket rifles... has the wire stock, and a Cataract scope is mounted on the pocket rifle. Also has the wood bore wiping rod.
It's a really neat set-up, and a great piece of history.