The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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    Re: Ideal Grade Engravlng for USMC Armorer Archived Message

    Posted by SGT on October 17, 2008, 5:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Ideal Grade Engravlng for USMC Armorer"

    According to the original shipping ledgers, manufacturing of LC Smith guns equipped with factory auto-ejectors began with serial number 500 around 1892, and were initially only offered on the early A-1 and A-2 grades. These early Smith ejectors, to put it nicely, were not very good and are notorious for failure to operate properly. Gun with this ejector system are commonly referred to as having Type I auto-ejectors. Later guns having ejectors with the 1901 patent date have what are referred to as the Type II ejector system. This proved to be a reliable system and remained unchanged until production ceased in 1950. Collectors can easily identify each type by examining the forend escutcheon; a task more difficult for a novice, so study Brophy's book to learn the differences as you would probably not be happy with Smith Type I ejectors.
    As to the Nitro proof mark, early Grade 2 guns had standard Damacus barrels only when shipped from the gunworks. Nitro barrels marked Crown Steel were made available for the Grade 2 gun sometime after 1895. Factory vent ribs were not available until the mid-1920's, at which time Damascus barrels had disappeared from all grades except the hammer gun. Therefore, if these barrels are a later factory retro fit, they will be steel and should be marked as to steel type (Crown, Nitro, etc). As a previous poster has already noted, some companies offered aftermarket vent ribs on existing barrels; guns with these modifications are not as desireable or costly, that's why it was suggested you post some photos. As to making gun buys, over the years I made tons of collecting mistakes and paid dearly thru my wallet; but nowadays you have at your disposal reams of research material unavailable when I entered the double gun world. I cannot stress strongly enough the validity of this truth, Knowledge is Power! It's your money and you can dispose of same in any manner you wish; but to anyone considering investing $2500 in vintage guns and catalogs, I strongly encourage those individuals to do their research first. Taking that advice will insure that the ultimate cost of one's PhD in gun collecting will be earned at a far lower cost that was mine. So good luck in your efforts, as without that advance research; trusting in luck is about the only hope one can have.

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