Posted by Tom Archer on August 17, 2012, 1:17 am, in reply to "LC 2057"
173.187.55.96
Your gun would have shipped in 1898; and the "E" notation in the grade stamp would indicate this gun originally shipped with optional auto ejectors, which should be the early Type I ejector mechanism. The "3" stamp indicates gun grade; and the bird scenes described are consistent with standard Grade 3 engraving patterns. This gun also has the optional Hunter One-trigger; but since the serial number predates the introduction of Hunter's single trigger, the gun was returned to the factory at a later date to have that popular option fitted to the gun. And it was most likely at this same time when the second set of barrels and forearm were added to the gun. Where is the "2" stamp located on the second set of barrels? If the "2" is the grade stamp on the barrel flats, someone ordered a lower grade set of barrels fitted to the gun to save a few bucks; if the "2" stamp is on the fore iron hanger lug of the barrels, that number location denotes that barrel as the second set, and you will find a corresponding number on the forend assigned to that set of barrels. Only by ordering a research letter can you verify whether or not your gun originally shipped as a two-barrel set; otherwise you must accept my BS. As to value, the gun is not rare; so condition is the most important consideration. And to determine condition, we shall require some clear, detailed color photos; so post a few and I guarantee you will receive some good opinions.
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