Hi Roger, I am very familiar with serial number 39977.

I looked at it when it was at the RIA October 7, 2022 auction. My interest was that it was an interesting juxtaposition of the serial number of the Quality 3 I posted pictures of above (sn37799).

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1041/6661/engraved-l-c-smithhunter-arms-grade-3-double-barrel-shotgun

If you look at the loop rib (the short rib on the underside of the barrels) you will see a "3" stamped near the barrel loop (just like sn37799 shown above).

At the time, I checked with Dr. Jim, and he researched the records and stated that it was recorded as a 12 gauge No. 2 with 30-inch barrels.

Its a beautiful example.

Congratulations on the acquisition!