The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Ejector forend latch

Posted by Phil Carr on August 4, 2024, 12:33 pm

I picked this gun up along with a few others. The gun needs work as it has some cracks.
I dont recall seeing an ejector forend roller latch like this one. Possibly its not uncommon but Im just not sure.
Feedback is welcome.

Re: Ejector forend latch

Posted by Drew Hause on August 4, 2024, 1:34 pm, in reply to "Ejector forend latch"

Thanks for posting that Phil.
I think this is Bro. David's image showing the ejector FE latches

2nd from R is the Clam Shell used for the 1st style AE 1892-1900

1st is your round latch which I believe was used briefly in transition to the Banjo latch, but I could be wrong.
Here is another on a 2E

3rd from R the Banjo Latch used 1901-1930

4th the Rectangle Latch used 1930-1959

Re: Ejector forend latch

Posted by Tom Archer on August 4, 2024, 2:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector forend latch"

Brother Phil-that was the first type II ejector escutcheon used on the earliest guns fitted with Type II ejectors. I wasn't deemed as sufficiently strong, so wasn't in production very long before the base of the Type II ejector iron was widened/strengthened and the escutcheon lengthened to provide an anchor point for the front screw and became known as the "banjo" escutcheon. I wrote a piece about this device years ago for the LC Journal when the Journal was no more than a few pages staples together. Interestingly, this early round escutcheon is the same diameter as the Bakelite doghead insert.

Re: Ejector forend latch

Posted by Phil Carr on August 4, 2024, 2:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector forend latch"

Thank you Tom and Doc for your information. Itmis greatly appreciated as always.
The gun is a 2E. Has some issues but maybe I can fix it up as a shooter.

Re: Ejector forend latch

Posted by Tom Garver on August 4, 2024, 5:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector forend latch"

Phil, here is one from SN 4723, a 5E, which I believe was made in 1901

upload img

Re: Ejector forend latch

Posted by Ken Descovich on August 4, 2024, 7:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector forend latch"

This type escutcheon was only used in 1901.

« Back to index

278

[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]