Description

Page-Lewis c1925 Single Shot Rifles (eventually bought by Savage)

16 pages, about 8 1/2″ x 6″ glossy soft-cover in full color. New re-print restored and digitally enhanced from a nice original. Printed on high quality 20# 97 bright acid free paper. Fully Illustrated.

We are not affiliated with any arms or gun manufacturer.

The Page Lewis story is a long, complicated and fascinating insight into the incestuous nature of the gun industry. Mr. Page and Mr. Lewis had been associated with Stevens then went out on their own, made guns for Eugene Reising, and later sold their operation to Savage who also acquired Stevens. Eventually Page Lewis guns were sold by Stevens under their Springfield brand name (not to be confused with the government’s Springfield Armory which was about 10 miles from the Page Lewis and Stevens operations in Chicopee Falls , Mass. These folks also were involved with the Stevens- Duryea automobile Company, L.S. Starrett (tool makers), Hunter Arms Company, High Standard, and several other non-gun related manufacturing enterprises. People forget that innovative gun-making technology was at the very core of the rise of American manufacturing and tool making success, but that is another long and interesting story in itself.

Page Lewis started off making simple rolling block rifles with frames of laminated steel (a sandwich of two thin side plates with a inch thick spacer piece between) and then moved on to simple bolt action designs. Their model “D was an entry level gun for junior shooters that had to be manually cocked, a desirable safety feature for youthful shooters as well as less expensive to make. This model was produced 1923-1928 with a 20 inch barrel. During this time Savage/Stevens bought the assets of Page Lewis and in 1928 they introduced the Model 50 Springfield Junior which was little more than a Model D with a bit larger stock and a 24 inch barrel. This model, priced at $5.87 was discontinued in 1933 in favor of the Model 52 with a 22 inch barrel and this model sold for $3.98 in the 1933 Sears Roebuck catalog. Most inexpensive rifles and shotguns were not serial numbered prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968 when a requirement for serial numbers was imposed on all firearms. (The above passages are from the Dictionary of Guns & Gunmakers by John Walter ISBN 1-85367-392-7)

The Page-Lewis Arms Company, established in the early 1920s in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, was founded by former Stevens Arms employees, Mr. Page and Mr. Lewis. Specializing in affordable single-shot rifles, the company gained recognition for producing reliable firearms suitable for both novice and experienced shooters.

In 1925, Page-Lewis released a catalog detailing their line of single-shot rifles. This 16-page reprint, approximately 8.5″ x 6″ in size, has been meticulously restored and digitally enhanced from a quality original, ensuring clarity and preserving the historical essence of the document.

Key Features of the 1925 Catalog:

• Comprehensive Descriptions: The catalog provides detailed information on various rifle models, including the Model A Target Rifle, Model B Sharpshooter, Model C Olympic, and Model D Bolt Action Rifle.

• Manufacturing Insights: Readers gain an understanding of the production processes and craftsmanship standards upheld by Page-Lewis during this era.

• Operational Guidelines: The document includes instructions on the proper operation of models A, B, and C, ensuring users are well-informed about handling and maintenance.

• Accessory Information: Details about available sights and other accessories are provided, allowing enthusiasts to customize their firearms to their preferences.

Historical Context:

The story of Page-Lewis offers a fascinating glimpse into the interconnected nature of the early American firearms industry. After establishing their own company, Page and Lewis produced firearms for Eugene Reising before eventually selling their operation to Savage Arms, which had also acquired Stevens Arms. Subsequently, Page-Lewis firearms were marketed under the Stevens brand, specifically the Springfield line. This period exemplifies the collaborative and often complex relationships among firearm manufacturers in the early 20th century.

Please note: This is a high-quality reproduction of the original 1925 Page-Lewis catalog, intended for historical reference and educational purposes.

By offering this catalog, we aim to provide collectors, historians, and firearms enthusiasts with valuable insights into the legacy of Page-Lewis and their contributions to firearm manufacturing.