The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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Crown grade 20 gauge

Posted by Jerry Andrews on April 15, 2022, 8:41 am

I have a really nice Crown grade 20 gauge. We’re they all signed somewhere? SST, AE Buttplate 28”. Thanks, Jerry

Re: Crown grade 20 gauge

Posted by Tom Archer on April 15, 2022, 11:51 am, in reply to "Crown grade 20 gauge "

I've never seen a signed Crown Grade (am assuming you mean Kraus signed?), and for years believed Kraus never signed any of his work based on the comments received from one of his personal friends; but having recently seen two signed higher-grade examples that I believe are authentic, I've changed my mind and there may be a signed Crown Grade somewhere? Based on what I've seen, he signed Smith guns "A.E. Kraus". The signature is very light, almost concealed; and the examples I've seen were signed beneath the opening lever or near the top tang screw. If signed under the opening lever, only the "A.E. K" is visible; and only with the opening lever pushed to the right side.

Re: Crown grade 20 gauge

Posted by Jerry Andrews on April 16, 2022, 6:43 am, in reply to "Re: Crown grade 20 gauge "

Thank you Tom!

Re: Crown grade 20 gauge

Posted by Ken Descovich on April 17, 2022, 10:05 pm, in reply to "Crown grade 20 gauge "

Hi Jerry,
Is your crown grade signed? I have a 12 gauge grade 5 that is signed by Jacob Glahn on the upper tang.
Ken

Re: Crown grade 20 gauge

Posted by Tom Archer on April 17, 2022, 10:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Crown grade 20 gauge "

It's not uncommon to find a pre-13 high-grade Smith gun signed "Glahn S. C.". I could be wrong, but don't believe the Glahns were engraving for Hunter in 1913 when the Crown Grade was introduced.

Re: Crown grade 20 gauge

Posted by Jerry Andrews on April 18, 2022, 2:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Crown grade 20 gauge "

I can’t find a signature but I’m color blind and this gun has a lot of bright color so it could be tucked in there somewhere. Jerry

Re: Crown grade 20 gauge

Posted by Ken Descovich on April 18, 2022, 6:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Crown grade 20 gauge "

Jacob Glahn died in 1902 I don't know how much longer his sons worked for the Hunter Arms Company after there dad's passing. Houchins book is wrong on Jacob's death date by 10 years.
Ken

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