The catalog numbers don't seem to correlate with years other than the higher the number the later the catalog. Up to around WWI the catalogs changed only when something new was to be added. Most were not dated. Sometimes only a supplement or price sheet was added. I keep my catalogs in clear sleeves with a date sticker in the corner. Several have had dates changed many times as I find more on the subject.
More on this subject was added to the posting ".410 barrel for Savage 99"
Last edited by Rick99; 04/08/14.
Savage...never say "never". Rick...
Join the NRA...together we stand, divided we fall!
Here is something to help date catalog #15 & #16 - #15 is Jan, 1905 or earlier, and #16 is earlier than Aug 1907.
From #16
My hard cover #15 does not have the 'Screaming Indian' cover bound in it - it looks like it was removed because the back cover is still there, neatly split off at the fold. With the early 1905 date on the inserts it makes me wonder if it had that cover, and if so, if the 1905 copyright would have been on it that early. It is the only example of the #15 I have seen that does not have the Brayton Tubeless Scope marked as unavailable.
Last edited by GeneB; 04/09/14. Reason: direct linked pictures & added note
So were pretty much saying catalog #15 is used for 1906 as well as 1905. I have a 1899,1900,1903 catalogs these just have dates with no catalog numbers . What was the first numbered catalog? i have #16,#35 and #50 these all have the screaming indian on the covers. seem like a lot of catalog numbers in a short time !! When did they get away from the screaming indian covers? Maybe we need a early catalog thread with cover pictures. Don
“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
Rory, Thats pretty good, but theres one hellova bunch of gaps there. I guess ill go out and look thru mine and see if i have any fliers with dates in them to get better dating on them.thanks
Rick, Cornell sometimes is not always 100% accurate in their reproductions, some of the covers have things added - original covers seldom had the date on them. I have some of their reprints for other gun companies where they made up a cover (like a Union Firearms catalog with a Winchester shotgun on the cover). They had originally sold the Savage #35 reprint without the cover and said they did not know it was missing.
All of the catalogs i have are original, and some of the cornell covers for the same catalog aren't the same. I think the price lists give a lot more info and a better time frame then the catalogs themselves do.I know i discovered or maybe rediscovered!! a bunch of information checking thru old price lists yesterday.
Here is a list of catalogs starting with #15. If you see something you question please speak up: 15- 1905
16- 1907, Has TD;2 pages held for 8/1/07 (pistol?)
17- 1907 or 1908, Has TD; has 1905; no 1909; no pistol, reloading or powder info; smaller size catalog
24- 1910, Separate flyer dated 1910 w/glued in 1909 picture. Might have used the same catalog 1909?
35- 1911; letter 5/10/1911; new 1909; new featherweight TD w/interchangable brl; has pistol.
40- 1912; same as #35 but with added page 12a,b,c&d; new 22 High Power and 1911.
50- 1913? I don't have this one. Would like to know how it varies from #40 and #55
55 & 55A- 1914 Don't know what the difference is. I only have the 55A.
57- 1915
60- 1916; price list of 7/22/16 references Catalog #60
60 Supplement- 1919; Dated 12/5/1919 (after WWI)
61- 1920/1921, No reference to the .300 Sav. round in catalog but I have price lists with and without the .300 Sav. but no Model 1921 listed.
62- 1922; lists the Model 1922; specifies that you are to use the letter call out when ordering but still shown as the "1899"
63- 1924; Model 1914 stamped out Jan 1927 price sheet May 1927 price sheet; catalog has 1920 over stamped "discounted see flyer..." insert Model 1926 Note: the pl still has special order engraved rifles listed.
64- 1927/1928(?), not marked (have photo catalog w/Jan 1928 PL); white, Indian pointing rifle; some models raised ramp.
65- 1928,(have photo of a Jan. 1928 PL)(I have a 1929 copy, PL Jan 1929); raised ramp except 99-H; added 40/45 &.30-06 ammo; new paddle style case avil w/99-F,G &K, prior only 99-G .300; probably `28,`29 `30 versions, 1929 the model 25 disc stamp.
Others might not agree on all dates. I learn something new every time I go through them. There seems to be some overlap among catalogs and price sheets. It's not easy to tell if like catalogs are equal or different without going through page by page.
Savage...never say "never". Rick...
Join the NRA...together we stand, divided we fall!
Tossing out a thought, if possible members bring catalogs to Savage Fest '14. Could set aside some time for a "catalog work shop" to further develop the catalog data base.
Wyo1895 - is there chapter in your book regarding catalogs?? Vol. II??
There are at least two versions of catalog #24, one is marked 'SECOND EDITION' at the bottom of the first page (which is not numbered). In my 'first' edition there is an un-numbered page with a testimonial glued in on page 13 that is blank on the back, there also is a loose sheet marked 16A & 16B that has the 'NEW LIGHTWEIGT TAKE-DOWN ON 16A an the 'NEW MODEL 1909' on 16B. These pages are included in the second edition but in a different order, also the color is different on the testimonial page.
Also shown is a #55 � this catalog is the only one I have seen that shows the optional thick spur cocking arm for the pistols.
The only differences I see in #50 from #40 (top) is that the Model 1909 is dropped, the �NEW� Model 1912 takes it�s place, the Model 1911 is not longer 'NEW", and the pages on the pistols are changed (also #40 apparently must have seemed much tastier to mice � haven�t yet done a taste-test myself).
WI Rick, I like the idea of a Savage catalog workshop session at the upcoming fest. I think we could all learn something. We reproduced the 1897 catalog for the 2010Fest and it was very popular. Still receive requests for copies of it yet today. That was made possible by three members here (Fug, Bill McNally and John Allen) being willing to share (at no cost) their old original catalogs and doing the work necessary to reproduce it for sharing. It would be great to have a handout or "sticky" with photos and dates of all known original Savage catalogs. It would of course be a work in progress as more and newer material becomes available. Perhaps working and cooperating as a group we could produce something accurate and professional enough for David to add it to his book with little or no additional work on his part. JW
Thanks John. Yes, lets individually and collectively give the matter some additional thought. There is no shortage of raw material among members it appears. What to do with it and how to do it are two questions. Seems it would be nice to have an overall cross reference guide, similar to what Rick99 has provided above. Might be nice to digitally record any/all and especially some of the more rare items also. Plenty of time between now and Fest/Sept. but it'll go fast. I think a "sticky" is a great idea for starters to gather ideas, who has what and willing to contribute, who may have the ability to photo-shop the raw material, ect. This is probably a project unto itself. Sorry I lumped David in my previous post. He's probably up to his armpits in alligators with the book project.
Gene, I must have an earlier 1st version. It has the glued in page but the TD and 1909 info is on light blue printed folded sheets that are loose inside the catalog. I wonder if the original had the glued in page?
Savage...never say "never". Rick...
Join the NRA...together we stand, divided we fall!