I am lucky enough to have copies of both large and small versions of the Stevens Sideplates.  I recently picked up a partial small action, then a few days later, picked up a complete small rifle at the Tulsa show.  When I got home and started looking at the new acquisition, I realized it is different internally than my other versions.  This one has a low (181) serial number and is much closer to the patent than the others.  It does not have the side mounted 7 o'clock extractor and does have full contact between the top of the lever and breechblock.  It uses a 6 o'clock extractor pivoting on the lever pin.  It also has a longer slotted link to make the system work.  All of these features are like the patent.  DeHaas has said maybe a few early ones were made that way, but he had never seen any.  Dutcher also wrote an article in the 1992 Gun Report on them and had similar thoughts.  I like the strength of this version much better than depending on the link and pins to hold the force.  The pictures show what I am talking about.  There is a Favorite in the one picture to see the size difference.  The standard link connector is the finished one.  Anyone ever seen similar lever-link fits in a Sideplate?
Bruce
 

Mine had the 2 front screws.

Great pictures! It’s obvious to me that the action in the bottom photo would be stronger. I’ve learned something new with your pictures. Thanks.

Somebody here (I think) modified a 44 or a Favorite to support the breechblock like that early version.

Powderhead—That is really surprising.  I have only ever seen one on a gun show table.  That is my other complete small version.
Bruce

I think it would be nice of you to post some pictures of the rifle you made.  Did you make it from scratch, or did you modify something?

I made the Horr rifle from scratch. I found the patent drawings online, copied them and then enlarged them to match the size of a Stevens Sideplate. Several years ago the Chuckster took pictures of my rifle and posted them, a search might find them.     Otis W. Horr patent #323,936 Aug. 11 1885 . Go to the Patent office site type in the number and you will see the drawings, I made the rifle to the drawings even the extractor which is an unusual design.

Thank you Chuckster for the repost of the pictures.The stocks in the pictures were made out of poplar as temporary ones. I am in the process of making new stocks out of walnut. I also made the scope and mounts for the rifle .