...and the rear Lyman #1 style sight has a small flip down apperature that was stuck in the small hole mode, some finesse and oil and it now moves like it's supposed to! I am always amazed at the detail that some things of old had when it wasn't required, like the heavy knurling on the body, the graduation marks on the stem (which are still visible) and the knurling on the rear face of the small flip down portion of the aperatutre.
Mine didn’t letter with checkering either, but I’m sure it’s legit. They didn’t log everything, sadly. Heck, I have 2 engraved rifles with no ledger entry for engraving. The only questionable thing might be barrel length. They would do 22” barrels for octagon, but they are also easy to cut down aftermarket. I don’t have any specific reason to think it’s cut down, just saying.
Might compare distance of the front sight dovetail from end of barrel with another full length barrel, see if it’s the same.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Thanks, if a few of you guys have similar vintage octagon 1899B's, and could measure the distance from muzzle face to the front dovetail, for the front sight, I would be interested to check mine and see the comparison...thanks
Mine didn’t letter with checkering either, but I’m sure it’s legit. They didn’t log everything, sadly. Heck, I have 2 engraved rifles with no ledger entry for engraving. The only questionable thing might be barrel length. They would do 22” barrels for octagon, but they are also easy to cut down aftermarket. I don’t have any specific reason to think it’s cut down, just saying.
Might compare distance of the front sight dovetail from end of barrel with another full length barrel, see if it’s the same.
Just curious, how are you "sure it's legit"? The checkering is either new or touched up. If I was refinishing a rifle for someone and they asked for checkering, I would use a factory pattern on it.
Even on his.. very few checkerers have factory Savage 1899 checkering patterns on hand. And given that the ledgers didn't list the pistol grip either, which can't be added later, I think it's extremely likely it's factory. I've just seen too many ledger entries missing features to think something not being recorded means it wasn't factory.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
TBigBuck, On my 1899B -26” bbl - (#35xxx) the distance from the muzzle to the front dovetail is 0.840”. On my 1899C - 26” - (#39xxx) that dimension is 0.850”. Both measurements taken as close to top dead center of the barrel as possible - right next to the sight blade. Both rifles have original sights.
Oh for sure. Because it's not in the ledgers doesn't mean anything really. Also I'm not trying to argue, or say it is or isn't factory. I will say that pattern is pretty easy to reproduce. I could lay it out but would do a much worse job of cutting it. It actually looks very good for Savage checkering but all the checkered 99s I own are the field grade/low level pattern and my guess is that stuff was done by people lower on the pole.
Originality is nice but it’s not everything. I can’t think of one car guy who dared keep his ride original when it was a daily driver, but yet look high and low for originality when shopping for a “new” old ride. I have no problem with restomods , be they cars or firearms. As long as it’s nicely executed. I wouldn’t call your 99 a restomod seeing how the reblue was done years ago. However, I would say the work is historic in its own right and it kept the rifle interesting for those of us to enjoy today. Nice 99.
"The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle." John Stapp - "Stapp's Law" "Klaatu barada nikto"
I'm always amazed by the workmanship that went into some never to be seen again parts on things made in the late 1800's and early 1900's. I saw a lock on a safe with the internal cover off, and the whole lock mechanism, under the plate, was engraved. That's more than just pride.
Joe, I know what you mean... I'm a 34-year Ford Dealer Dual path Senior Master Tech, and being that way have always been mechanically/fabricator inclined...and as such, I am fascinated with our past-modern era forefathers' abilities to make some of our mechanical marvels from steam locomotives and aircraft, to firearm barrels/parts, and especially manual/automatic transmission and the like, without CAD. The thinking and fabrication they used, is not anything like current times, and may never be seen again in my opinion.
Even on his.. very few checkerers have factory Savage 1899 checkering patterns on hand. And given that the ledgers didn't list the pistol grip either, which can't be added later, I think it's extremely likely it's factory. I've just seen too many ledger entries missing features to think something not being recorded means it wasn't factory.
100% agree
"...aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." - Paul to the church in Thessalonica.
And it all started with that first simple hand tool that was used to make a better tool, that was used to make a better tool... and that continues on today.
Savage...never say "never". Rick...
Join the NRA...together we stand, divided we fall!
I'm always amazed by the workmanship that went into some never to be seen again parts on things made in the late 1800's and early 1900's. I saw a lock on a safe with the internal cover off, and the whole lock mechanism, under the plate, was engraved. That's more than just pride.
Old watches are what get me. The innards that are generally only seem by someone giving the watch were usually engine turned and engraved. The most beautiful part was usually on the inside.
