Several years ago while attending the Southern Side x Side and meandering thru the gun displays inside the big tents, my eyes were drawn to a Grade O LC Smith from at least 40' away; and what caught my eyes were the Damascus barrels featured on this gun. On closer examination this gun was simply amazing, as this century old Smith had somehow survived in what I would judge as "flat new" condition with zero blemishes and 100% original finishes. But the feature of this gun that was so eye-catching were its Damascus barrels; the color and figure brought to light by Hunter's factory barrel finishers were nothing short of stunning! And as I stood there admiring this gun, it was apparent to me for the very first time in my life why so many turn of the last century shooters chose Damascus patterned barrels over fluid steel; it was because they were gorgeous! And for an individual who could not afford elaborate engraving, exotic wood, and the other pricey features of the higher graded double gun models, a plain gun with Damascus barrels was affordable and beautiful. I don't know where this gun priced at whopping $5K at the time now resides, but it was sold the first day of the event; and by the way, those stunning barrels were finished "black and white". Tom