Sometimes you have no choice...it's fate.
 

Recently I was offered an unusual smith. The initial description mentioned inlays in the stock and forend which I am never fond of. However when I received the pics I knew I was done.

While not my kind of decoration on a gun it is interesting. See for yourself.

All the inlay is Gold and done impeccably.

Would you turn away a gun like this with your initials already in the forend in Gold???

And a Crown 16 30 inch as well. Gorgeous engraving.

Enjoy. (Or not)

nice, but too gaudy for my taste

Reminds me of the “Not the Czar’s Parker”

Very nice though!





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I like it.

The engraving on Smith #5 and Crown grades is some of my favorite. The gold work looks well done. (I'd be tempted to take the gold off and use the proceeds to make the gun look more original, but it's still a great gun.)

Have you requested a Research Letter James?
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/conten...dule_id=245742

Much more tasteful than the "gold hearts" Parker!!

That is a beautiful LC! The gold would not encourage my purchasing, however.

James , A Beautiful Smith !!!! I love the early 2 Dog Smith Engraving on the Crown Grades ! You can't beat it your Initials already Gold Plated on it , it had your name on it from the beginning :rotf: How could you not buy it !!!!! Congrats on a Great Gun !!!!

Like everyone else, my preference is for completely original guns. However I like it and would not alter it back, especially with your initials on it. These guns have a story and life that exceeds ours. If it looked hokey or not well done it might be different.

Dave, the Gold Hearts Parker may have been in bad taste, but it was built with an historic event in mind. This Smith, not so much. However, I would love to own it.

Only thing I've ever found was a milk bottle with my name on it

Nice Gun
 

Nothing like a custom gun with your initials. I like it.

I wouldn't want a gaggle of fancied-up guns like that, but a few wouldn't bother me. Lol!

Nice gun! Thanks for sharing.

I understand why the initials did it for you, James. A similar situation happened to me about 12 years ago at the Fall Southern S X S. I had brought a 10 ga. O grade Smith to trade on something. I found three small bore Smiths with 32" barrels in the same booth, two graded and one Field Grade. As the 16 ga. field grade was more to my liking, with a long LOP, ejectors, and HOT, I fondled it carefully, looking down the rib several times. When I laid it back down on the table I looked at the hang tag which stated the order and completion dates. The completion date was the same month and date as my birthday. You could'a stuck a fork in me right then .......... I knew I was done. Still have it. One of my favorite dove guns.