F= 1954: 686489(19F), 695xxx(19F), 704960(13F), 7184xx, 727303(13F), 747330(14F), 751488(?3F),7567xx(5F), 835192-lettered by John T.
Savage began using what we call the Lever Boss Code ("LBC") in 1949. The LBC begins with a number (the inspector's number) followed by a letter which indicated the year of manufacture. In 1949, the letter used was "A". In 1950, they went to "B", in 1951 to "C", in 1952 to "D" and so on to the letter "Y" in 1971. The letters "O" and "Q" were skipped due to their similarity.
Apparently... and for unknown reasons, some rifles were pulled off the assembly line and set aside. Then, later, they were put back on the line and the manufacturing process was finished. This created a situation wherein the rifle's serial number may not accurately ascertain the year of manufacture for SURE. Thus, we can fall back on the Lever Boss Code to determine the year of manufacture if the rifle has one.
All the Model 99s (to the best of my knowledge) manufactured from 1949 through 1971 (inclusive) had Lever Boss Codes inside a small, lightly embossed OVAL located on the lower front side of the receiver opposite and just above where the lever rotates. Often, the OVAL in which the LBC is stamped and the LBC itself are so lightly impressed that it requires a magnifying glass to see them... and then, some of the OVAL and/or the LBC may be too lightly stamped to be fully determined.
So if your rifle's LBC is an "E", it was made in 1953. If it's a "F", then it was made in 1954.
These were some of the finest Model 99's ever made... a real "winner"!
Strength & Honor...
Ron T.
It's smart to hang around old guys 'cause they know lotsa stuff...
