Posted by SGT on June 30, 2007, 5:33 pm, in reply to "Hammer Gun"
With good photos we can tell you if it has been refinished. Handling marks on wood finishes are not uncommon; but could also indicate a lot of use (as you noted). That said, closely examine the buttplate and checkering. If either is badly worn, and the rest of gun virtually pristine, I would be suspicious. Location of the opening lever is another good indicator; a gun with little use will have the opening lever well left of center with the gun closed. If those three items show little use, I suspect the gun has honest use. As to prices of Smith hammer guns, I won't speculate; but will offer some food for thought. Smith hammer guns with fluid steel barrels, lots of original case, and mint bores are almost never seen (most examples are just "used up"). Hammer doubles are currently experiencing a resurgence of shooter interest, and good ones are actively being sought (and this is evident in current pricing). The missing hammer screw should not represent a great problem, if you can''t find a replacement; any good gumsmith can duplicate the remaining original. Good luck.