Hunter Arms introduced "Crown Steel" with the Pigeon Gun in 1893, A1 in 1894, the No. 3 about 1895, and in 1898 the No. 2. Nitro steel was introduced in 1898 for the No. 3 and Pigeon and later the No. 4 and No. 5; Armor for the 00 in 1898, and Royal in 1898.

Damascus barrels were not uncommon on the post-1913 Ideal and Specialty grades. A 20g Field SN 14788 shipped October 21, 1919 is the latest Damascus barreled Smith known.

As we said on the LCSCA Forum, without a Research Letter confirming the association with Bart Lewis it is only a very nice gun, with a replacement pad.

 

I didn't mean to act like I knew exactly when the steel changed, Blue Book just showed Damascas as an option to 1913.

I was really just looking for a ballpark value on the gun as it stands with no ties to Bart Lewis...

Thanks, KJ

 

Kevin,

The 217254 s/n and the engraving pattern on your buddy's Elsie indicate that its a Specialty Grade which was introduced in 1914. Recent "book values" for the gun range from $3150.-(V.G.) to $3400.-(Exc.). Add $250.- for a single trigger and 30% for auto-ejectors. As always, check the online auctions for actual prices being PAID for the same make and model in like condition.

The checkering and finish on the stock of your buddy's Elsie appears to be in remarkably good condition, especially so for a 105 year gun used by a high volume shooter. While most English grip stocks of that era had a straight comb, your buddy's gun has a Monte Carlo comb. Also, the wood appears proud above the sidelock plates. These factors lead me to suspect that the gun has been restocked. A non-original stock will adversely affect the gun's value. Your buddy may want to have the gun appraised by a knowledgeable double gun specialist.

DF

Montani Semper Liberi

 

+1 for the restock.