Posted by David Williamson on January 21, 2012, 9:36 am 174.49.147.138
James, When Arthur P. Curtis first applied for this patent in 1913, he was employed by Hunter Arms. By the time it was Patented it was now 1917. At some time in 1917 Curtis left Hunter Arms and went to work for a few other gun makers.
It is quite possible that he might have stated in working for Hunter, that if he left Hunter Arms Co. they would have to pay him royalties, but I do believe it was an expensive part to manufacture and the new owners were trying to cut costs.
Curtis did return to Hunter Arms Co. in 1940 as superintendent, a short term as he passed on in 1941.
In my files of guns with the Curtis for-end fastener and from some research, all seem to be Featherweight guns from 1912-1919, that I have seen. Also, from what I have seen, none were marked FW, just the serial number and then "R". The Regular frame guns with the Curtis that I have seen and own, do not have the "R" suffix, and on mine do not have the "R" prefix.
It would be nice to hear what others have stamped on their Curtis for-ends in this time period. Maybe we can get an answer as to the "R" suffix.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Patriot on January 21, 2012, 6:26 pm, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 67.174.11.30
Off of GB....
Regular frame 12 ga 348324...no R
Ideal 20 ga 4805 R
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by David Williamson on January 21, 2012, 6:29 pm, in reply to "Re: "R" Suffix" 174.49.147.138
Thanks Ron.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Craig Larter on January 21, 2012, 7:34 pm, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 66.66.112.17
I have a 1913 Ideal 10ga regular frame of course and no R prefix or suffix. I does have the Pat. applied for stamp.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Tommy on January 21, 2012, 9:34 pm, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 108.223.20.202
I have 2 Smith's bought new by my grandfather one in 1915 "11486 R 20ga. 26" barrels and one in 1916 354190 R 12ga. 28" barrels. Both have curtis forends and 3 position safeties, double triggers and extractors. Acording to my father and grandfather neither was ever sent back for any repairs or ever touched by a gunsmith. I still shoot both today and they are still unrestored guns. Hope this helps with the "R" question.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by David Williamson on January 21, 2012, 9:37 pm, in reply to "Re: "R" Suffix" 174.49.147.138
Craig, thanks, we kind of left the 10 ga. out for some reason.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Tommy on January 22, 2012, 12:59 am, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 108.223.20.202
I forgot to mention both are 3 screw featherweight frames.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Jikm Cochran on January 22, 2012, 8:09 pm, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 98.183.132.23
Hi, My 10 gauge Ideal with Curtis fore-end and Hunter One Trigger, serial no. 352265 "I" does not have the "R" suffix.
Thanks, Jim Cochran
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Ken Descovich on January 22, 2012, 10:22 pm, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 99.154.149.146
My 12 gauge Ideal with Curtis fore-end and Damascus barrels, serial no. 342732 "I" does not have the "R" suffix.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on March 20, 2012, 6:41 pm, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 76.84.67.250
Do any of your shotguns with the R suffix have automatic ejectors?
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Doug Ross on March 21, 2012, 3:25 pm, in reply to "Re: "R" Suffix" 24.128.71.38
My late Dad's first shotgun is a Field Grade 16 Gauge, Curtis Forend, 30" Barrels (M&F) with double triggers and 3 position safety; Ser.# 69474 R. I just dropped it off at gunsmith to have chambers lengthened to 2 3/4" as well as forcing cone lengthening/polishing. Gunsmith described it as being manufactured in 1913 and a "heavy version". He said that following models after the "R" were marketed as "featherweights", although they weighed about the same as the "R".
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Dave Marsh on March 23, 2012, 7:34 am, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 24.24.76.61
I have a 1919 Curtis fore end 12 gauge Ideal. No R suffix or prefix. It is marked FW.
Re: "R" Suffix
Posted by Dave Marsh on March 23, 2012, 7:40 am, in reply to ""R" Suffix" 24.24.76.61
Sorry, hadn't read the previous post. No auto ejectors on this one.
