Trephle Balthazar " Bill" Goyette was employed at Stevens Arms for 54 years before retiring in 1951. He started at the River Plant as a machine operator and later moved to the Broadway Street plant and began test firing and sighting in rifles and pistols in 1903. In his earlier years he was rated as one of the best rifle shots in the New England states. He was asked many times not to accept trophies and give other rifle shooters a chance. A co-worker of Goyette's, Adrian Blais, said of Bill, " Bill Goyette was the Stevens rifle expert and barrel specialist. When you wanted a good barrel, Goyette was the man to see." Goyette's collection contained many unique rifles and pistols. This particular rifle has a brass receiver and lever. The action is called "Unitary" as the breechblock, hammer, trigger, and associated parts are all contained in one piece and are moved together by the lever. According to Goyette's daughter Bill spent a good deal of his lunch hours inventing this unusual action. All of the moving parts are held together by one pin. All of the parts come out of the bottom by simply removing the pin. The company disagreed with Goyette when said he should own the patent for the action and Stevens produced and sold an unknown, (believed to be only a few) some of guns. It's reported that John Dutcher has seen one of these rifle with a steel action. The right rear barrel flat is marked " J.STEVENS A. & T. CO. / CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A." and the left flat is marked "25. R.F.". The underside of the barrel is marked "21" just ahead of the forearm and "14" under the forearm. It is equipped with a combination folding front globe sight, folding rear sight and an adjustable tang peep sight. Smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate. The rifle is accompanied by an article on Stevens Sure Shot rifles and a type written letter from Mr. Goyette's son highlighting his fathers life. Mr. Goyette died on April 26, 1953 at age 77.

Fine. The barrel retains most of the faded original blue finish with some scattered light spotting. The receiver and lever have a nice even aged patina. The wood is excellent with a few scattered minor dings and scratches. There are a couple of small chips on the buttplate, otherwise it shows little wear and the checkering is crisp. The markings are clear. The action works perfectly. A rare and unusual Stevens Single Shot Rifle.