Thanks Drew. I had seen the Lefever formula on several bbs, but don't think they were using it on field grade Smiths as of the late 30's, based on the few in good original shape that I've seen and handled. The gun in question is a 1947 gun (before the factory floor fell) and the chips off the finish look just like the chips off Martin guitars from the same period. Plus, the finish does not dissolve in alcohol. True test, I've read, is to touch it with acetone and see if it softens. Try this link, and others from the same site, for very interesting finish techniques for luthiers. (Not Lutherans): http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/AcetoneFinishTest/acetonetest.html, and this one, http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/Lacquer/DropFill/dropfill.html