The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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Damascus SxS barrels ID help

Posted by Richard Ranney on May 19, 2021, 4:50 pm

My matching 12ga side by side has attractive hammer type 32” Damascus barrels under the browning. According to this site ser# 148xxx F should have been made in 1935. My questions:
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These are matched to all other ser# on the gun, were Damascus barrels used through 1935?
This is a Field Grade gun. The markings on the bottom of both barrels are; H, next to that 4 over 6, BH next to what appears to be a 17, and either an R or B with a D next to it. I’ve searched all I can I can’t find what these mean. I would really appreciate help with this. Thank you
Richard

Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help

Posted by Drew Hause on May 19, 2021, 5:52 pm, in reply to "Damascus SxS barrels ID help"

Here you go Richard
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=17ixogftgITEblNUWtmFBv96ZvgjK6eFell8GsAWd-KI

'F' is the grade of your hammer gun (not Field), and it was made about 1905. A Research Letter would confirm, and possibly the dealer that ordered the gun. 'BH' could be Belknap Hardware in Louisville.

'BD' is likely the Liege tube maker Bauduin Doyen

4 over 6 is the pre-fit & finish barrel weight of 4 lbs. 6 oz.

Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help

Posted by Richard Ranney on May 19, 2021, 7:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help"

Thank you Drew, I’ve followed a great deal of your posts on here and you’re expertise is greatly respected. I am curious as to why the ser# on the site shows this being made in 1935. Is it possible the barrels were made earlier and not used until 35?
Regardless I will send for the letter and frame it. Very interesting that you mentioned possible Belknap because I live in Louisville KY and that was world headquarters and of course wholesale and retail sold there. I remember as a kid going with my dad there. This gun is not mine I’m restoring for a friend whose grandfather purchased the gun and passed to his father. Thanks much,
Richard

Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help

Posted by Tom Garver on May 20, 2021, 5:42 am, in reply to "Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help"

Richard, the trick here is knowing that some serial numbers were used 2 or more times over the years. Hammer guns prior to 1918 were designated with different grades including "F". After 1918 hammer guns had the designation of "H".

Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help

Posted by Richard Ranney on May 20, 2021, 5:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help"

Thanks Tom, something else to contemplate. I was aware that happened in early years but didn’t realize it was possibly carried on. Like I’ve stated, according to the site this serial number would have been made in ‘35’. I suppose the only sure way is with a letter.
Richard

Date of Manufacture

Posted by Drew Hause on May 20, 2021, 5:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Damascus SxS barrels ID help"

This information is available to members under "Shotguns" on the Home Page
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=43784
1906
144,410 to 150,221 - 16, 12, and 10 gauge hammer guns

Re: Date of Manufacture

Posted by Richard Ranney on May 21, 2021, 4:12 pm, in reply to "Date of Manufacture"

Thanks Drew

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