Well, I hit the gun lottery. I just came into a Favorite Ladies Model at a price that makes me feel guilty. Serial #117, all matching numbers with near flawless wood and no abuse other than a poor bore. Beech front sight with an ivory bead and fine pinhead, buckhorn rear and a Lyman tang sight with a target disc. Fancy curved butt plate with an Elk and the Stevens banner, no chips or cracks. An honest 75% original bluing with no scratches or dings. No case colors show because way long ago the receiver was varnished and it has turned a dark, almost  black color which is not unattractive. The Bluing on the perfect screws is bright and shiny. I'm wondering if anyone knows the production numbers for this model. I've researched it the best that I can but have drawn a blank and any help would be welcome. This rifle is an exquisite example of gilded age gun making and is now a jewel in my collection.

Yes, the folding front sight patented by E. B. Beach in 1867 was very popular at times. The similar sight brought out by Lyman in 1890 was called the #5.

The front sight on this rifle is actually a Lyman. The nice thing about it is that the 1/16" ivory bead is intact while most of the ones that I see have had it broken off. I use the term Beach to describe all front sights of this nature and it is hands down my favorite [no pun intended] front sight. You can tell an original Beach because the name and patent dates are roll marked across the top of the globe in teeny, tiny letters.

It is a 22 long rifle but sadly the bore is horrible. I shot it yesterday at 50 yards and each shot was ten inches from the previous one. Now some will say don't alter such a collectable rifle  but I won't hesitate to have it re lined because the joy of shooting it will far outweigh any other considerations.

In particular if done right. I have seen embarrassing work, and some not detectable visually.