The little rifles sold for $2 and under and were along with the other 'Boys Rifles' quick, cheap, mass production arms. Don't expect absolute perfection in fit or finish though I've seen some current high priced guns that could take a lesson from even these.
The 14 1/2 was the 'Little Scout' Model. There was a Model 14 before it. Nearly the same action but a full one piece wooden stock, so no TD feature.
Simple L shaped breech block that rocks down out of position under tension of the same coil spring that powers the hammer. Neat simple system. The hammer blocks the breech closed like a rolling block action when fired.
I'd suggest Standard Vel ammo in these due to the lock up, materials, age, ect of the guns. I advise that on all the old Stevens model single shot kids rifles. I've rebuilt a number of them and even with new close fitted pivot pins and perfect headspace, there's a good chance they will shoot loose in short order with some of the HV ammo around,,even HS shorts.
The early Favorite Model refitted with the breechblock taking full use of the frame shoulders will stand up to HV pretty well.
Savage continued to make the 14 1/2 after they took over the Stevens company in 1920/21. Those Savage made guns are still marked Stevens as Savage continued to use the Stevens name as a line of products. You can tell they are made post 1920/21 and by Savage by the Savage Proof Mark on the left side of the frame,,a rather obvious SVG marking.
I think they discontinued the 14 1/2 and the Favorite at the start of WW2.,,maybe the CrackshotModel also. There were 3 Stevens 'Boys Rifles' that Savage continued to make after taking control in 1920/21.
Excellent examples of the 14 1/2 are getting hard to find. A truly exc condition one can go for $250/$300 to a Single Shot collector or Stevens collector. Most around are in NRA Dismal Cond.
They're kind of fun to rebuild and plenty of folks have learned a lot of gunsmithing skills doing work on these and other similar candidates,,me included.
