HARD GUN TO GRADE

[Smoothebore]

I tend to agree with Dave Suponski on guns of this early era. Many peculiar things happened before King came along with a game plan. I'm not so sure that any design feature seen in an earlier serial number really sets a precedent.

Here is the forearm from 3313 in 1874. And a early grade number referred to earlier?

Dave

[Autumn Daze]

I believe as Austin states that there are many things to consider when trying to grade one of these early guns. Just a few things to consider..1)Many of these guns were rebarreled so the original barrel steel may not be present for examination.2)Checkering patterns as we have observed were not standardized yet.3)As far as wood quality...Some of these early guns had fantastic wood on them even the lower grade guns.4) Using the order books for pricing is not a be all /end all either as many guns were sold at a discount.

So I would cast my vote for frame sculpting and engraving patterns being used to determine grade. Even at that these early guns are a real challenge to positively identify.

[Austin W Hogan]

With respect to grading, there is another cost step; gauge choice, wrist choice, and checking carried price surcharges that varied with time.

Best, Austin