Posted by Tom Archer on April 8, 2012, 9:27 pm, in reply to "Original Damascus Color"
173.186.31.224
3-4 years ago, while attending the Southern Side x Side/Challenge Event; my eyes were drawn to an O Grade LC Smith on dealer Roger Bain's table. That gun appeared to have just been taken from its original brown paper wrappings; and to this day, is the highest condition pre-1913 Smith gun I've ever seen and was in virtually 100% new condition. But the feature of the gun that was absolutely striking was its black and white Damascus barrels; they were stunningly beautiful, and for the first time it became clear to me why so many period shooters ordering lower grade double guns preferred those fitted with Damascus barrels! Perhaps Hunter gave shooters a choice of finish, black/white or brown, I don't know; but if anyone asks me for my opinion as to the original color or Hunter's Damascus barrels, it will be black/white. By the way, that gun was priced at $5K; it sold that weekend, and rumor was that a Parker collector purchased was the new owner. I'd sure like to know its whereabouts for picture purposes so that it could be shared with members of the LCSCA; it was that amazing.
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