Lc smith 5e vs crown
 

What’s the main difference other than when they were made. Is the 5e more valuable?

Adam I cannot tell you the main difference between those two versions other than I have yet to meet a true LC aficionado who did not proclaim that the pre-1913 guns had better engraving. Does that make them more valuable, I would assume that in some eyes it does.

That would be like the Fox guns , I was always of the opinion if you had a Philly gun and a Utica gun in the same configuration and condition that the Philly gun was of more value . My friend that’s no longer with us 1st Sargent Mostellar said he saw no difference so it’s pretty much a personal thing .

Knowledge
 

So let me get this straight, you put out a request for one or the other of these guns to purchase, but you don't know the difference? There are books for these questions.

I ran into this conundrum as well when acquiring my fox. There are shades of gray I learned....some of the early Utica guns are made with new old stock parts from Philly, then later they switched to Utica parts. I have a Utica sterlingworth with a capped pistol grip and one with a non capped after philly stock ran out.

Philly - definitely desireable
Philly old stock Utica gun - Depends on the person
Pure Utica gun - depends on the person, but It seems less people like than Philly old stock guns.

There are some differences in the stocking of pre-1913 guns, and the frame sculpting is often more pronounced on those early guns. Remember that many of the changes in production for the "new" Smiths were made with economizing in mind. Why not visit the LC Smith forum and ask your question? Also, check out Michael McIntosh's book on best guns. He has some definite opinions and good reasons for them.

I think the grade 5 pre-1913 guns are some of the best engraved American doubles.