I have always considered the Elsie 5E to be one of the most beautiful and elegant of the vintage American doubles, regardless of grade and manufacturer. Personally, the 5E represents the pinnacle of L.C. Smith collecting, as any grade above the 5E appears out of reach, which is just fine as I finally brought my 5E home.
She was made in 1904 and still locks up like a bank vault. She was used by her previous caretakers, and accordingly, the wood and barrels were very nicely refreshed at some point. The metal surfaces are all original and in my book that's the most important thing.
I have shot her a few times already and I'm smitten. She is choked XF and XF and while I thought that would prove to be a handicap at sporting clays it has actually been totally opposite. She just vaporizes clays and if I have a closer shot I just use RST's spreaders, which have worked very well. The other upside is when I miss, I just look at her and all is forgotten
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As I think pictures are the best part, I have included a few here along with Jim's excellent letter.
Happy collecting and shooting!
Bob