Re: Very Interesting Grade 5 I'd Like to Buy
Well yes, they typically are stamped; but there are exceptions. For instance, I recently examined a 1904 vintage Monogram Grade that was not marked with a grade stamp anywhere, but it was engraved and stocked to Monogram Grade standards; and most importantly, was recorded as a Monogram Grade in the original shipping records. I'd suggest you order a research letter if you haven't already done so and go from there. As to the barrels, the flats are supposed to be jeweled; and I've also seen the grade stamp on the forend hanger lug. I'd be more concerned about barrel steel ID marks, which should be Nitro Steel on an 1899 vintage gun. Typically, barrels with no steel type markings on Smith guns are Damascus.
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