There's some inconsistencies here regarding dates when he worked for Sears and when he lived, but interesting just the same:

http://www.searsarchives.com/brands/jchiggins.htm

Thanks for the info, Fla. I remember the old JC Higgins brand but never had a clue who the devil he was. I'll bet there are some members here who still have a JC Higgins firearm or two.

Yep. There's always a thread or two about Higgins Model 50s & 51s, fine FN commercial Mauser actioned rifles, popular with custom rifle makers or just the way they are. The best buy in a sporting rifle IMO, usually $250-$350.

Pecos
My shotgun is still a Stevens 311 even though J C signed off on it.

My brother has a Sweet 16 that my dad bought at Sears in the very early 60's, J C missed signing off on that one.

I admired Ted Williams, but the firearms department declined when he took over.

Covey16

I've still got a old J.C. Higgins bolt action 20ga. shotgun my dad bought for me used about 40 years ago for $15. Still works OK and has a big adjustable screw choke on the end of the barrel and the removable clip will hold 2 with one in the chamber. First shotgun. BM

Bill