The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Grade A-1

Posted by Alan Dube on April 19, 2023, 1:59 pm

Did this grade only come with Damascus barrels? I saw one for sale with steel, but on the L.C. Grades link, showed only twist steel.

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Drew Hause on April 19, 2023, 2:23 pm, in reply to "Grade A-1"

The A1 primarily had Chain Damascus Alan.

Nitro steel was offered starting in 1897 for the A-2, A-1, No. 3 and Pigeon, and later the No. 4 and No. 5.

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Alan Dube on April 19, 2023, 2:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Grade A-1"

Thank you

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on April 19, 2023, 8:24 pm, in reply to "Grade A-1"

My a1 has 32 in damascus barrels. Very well built guns with very good engraving! Zachary

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Tom Archer on April 19, 2023, 10:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Grade A-1"

As Dr. Dreu noted; the majority will have Chain Damascus barrels; but there are a few examples fitted with Nitro Steel and even Whitworth Steel barrels. Others were returned to the factory and retro-fitted with steel barrels; or a second set of lower grade barrels (I've seen one example with a factory fitted second barrel set of OO grade barrels). You will also find the occasional example with factory fitted Type II ejectors which weren't cataloged until 3 years after the A-1 Grade was dropped from the catalog. When you find a gun that doesn't fit the catalog description, or match the shipping record but has survived in unrestored condition; have the gun examined by a expert, as the gun could be totally righteous.

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Drew Hause on April 20, 2023, 7:52 am, in reply to "Re: Grade A-1"

What Bro. Tom said.
A1 with nice Birmingham proof 3 Iron "British Best"

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Drew Hause on April 20, 2023, 8:28 am, in reply to "Re: Grade A-1"

Another with a bit different 3 Iron Damas Rosen pattern, also with Birmingham proof

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Mike Yonker on April 20, 2023, 8:00 pm, in reply to "Grade A-1"
Edited by board administrator April 21, 2023, 7:44 am

I have an A-1 #793 30 inch with a second barrel 26 inch. They are both Damascus, the 30 looks similar to the 3 iron but no proof stamps. The second set have a pattern I haven't seen before, not chain but with a pattern that almost looks like "&".It also has a fitted forearm with early ejectors lesser checkering and early round release with less engraving. It is serialized #793 with "W 1 E" stamp on the strap below the fore end lug, no other markings. Letter doesn't show a second barrel in the ledger.Any ideas on the pattern type of the second set? Thanks MY

Re: Grade A-1

Posted by Drew Hause on April 21, 2023, 6:24 am, in reply to "Re: Grade A-1"

There are examples of Hunter Arms patterns here, but with one full size high resolution image we could very likely ID your pattern Mike
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UYzpTlAj4tQxjifoxxwfXeS7Sc477_J4h-FCIsm9rAA/edit

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