Posted by Tom Archer on February 2, 2017, 8:20 am, in reply to "Re: L C eagle grade "
Bob I suspect your Eagle was made during the Hunter Arms bankruptcy that occurred about 1917 (?, not exactly sure as I don't have my reference materials here at work); but if you check the Brophy serial number recap I seem to recall that his last serial number records from that period ended at about 219XXX, and he listed no records for any Smith guns from that period with a serial number beginning at 220XXX and higher. But there were Smith guns produced during the bankruptcy and reorganization period, and I've personally seen several examples in that serial number range to include a Specialty 12-bore and a 16-bore Premier (which was not listed in his high-grades recap). In the course of his research Jim has located some records of Smith guns produced during the reorganization period and in this serial number range; although I don't know how many guns he found, or how complete his findings may have been. But regardless, I'd still request that research letter.