Fox model B YOM?

[Stan Hillis]

How do you age a Model B that has no serial numbers on it? None on the metal or on the wood that I have found.

I'm restoring one that was given to me and would like to know it's age, if possible. It has a splinter f/e, extractors, solid rib, and unplated triggers. I'm guessing 1954 or earlier. Any way to narrow it down?

[Researcher]

From the 1939 introduction of the Model B to 1946 they have the Utica address on the barrels. In 1947 Savage consolidated their arms making operations at their old J. Stevens factories at Chicopee Falls, Mass. and the plant at Utica went to making products for the post-war housing boom. From 1949 to the Gun Control Act of 1968 Savage used a date code. The year is a latter in a small oval on the bottom of the frame starting with A = 1949, B = 1950, C = 1951. etc. --

No one I know has come up with an explanation of the number with the letter in the oval. For 1961 they were in operation at the new factory in Westfield, Mass.

[Stan Hillis]

That you, Dave. I have determined mine was made in 1952, by the "D" in the circle, and it has the Chicopee Falls stamp on the barrels. The inspector mark is to the left of the circle, "QH"..