Robin,
I think I must disagree with you regarding the long tear drops. From what I've learned from some of our more experienced members the longer tear drops as shown in the third photo were on the very early $250.00 guns. I could be wrong as I am no expert just relaying what I have been told. A few years ago I believe it was Chris Lien who posted a paper which had drawings of the bolster engravings of the various grades but I think they represented the later guns. I still have that drawing at home somewhere and will try to find and post it later.
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