To be clear about ejector forends and serial numbers.
When they are serial number stamped, they are matked in the location that Jack showed a picture of above (in the inletting where the mainsprings are).
But, I have observed MANY completely original ejector forends that are not stamped at all. In fact, more that were not than ones that were. And sometimes when there are nunbers in that location, it is not the complete number.
In fact I would say that both forends that Jack has in that photos are original. Just one is stamped and one is not.
Other ways to try to authenticate ejector forends is that sometimes the impression of the serial number from the latch and banjo tip are left in the wood. Also on later guns (from the 30s and 40s), the grade number is stamped in the inletting for the latch (in the front round portion). Ie: a large “3” on a D grade.
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B. Dudley
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