Ralph, You did not state that the for-end iron had the same serial number as the receiver. If is does not that would be an indication that the piece has been changed. Hunter Arms would have stamped the right serial number on the iron if it was returned to the factory for replacement. Loosing the for-end was very common on L.C. Smith shotguns that were used in the field. Also the factory may have stamped the serial number on the wood under the iron is they fitted a beaver-tail for-end to the shotgun