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Identifying the grade of L. C. Smith Syracuse and Hunter Arms guns may be confusing. Hunter Arms had 12 pre-1913 grades, 9 post-1913 grades, and there were several variations in the A2, De Luxe, and Monogram engraving patterns. Excellent images of each grade may be found in Houchin’s L.C. Smith "The Legend Lives"
Syracuse and early Hunter Arms guns did not have a grade mark on the receiver, but should have the grade stamped on the left side of the frame, visible after removing the left lockplate.
A numeric grade stamp began to appear underneath the serial number with the introduction of the No. 00 in 1898, but is frequently not found on higher grade guns
When the grade designations and engraving patterns were changed (with the exception of the Monogram) in 1913, "Field" or a capital letter (I=Ideal, T=Trap, S=Specialty, etc.) was stamped on the receiver underneath the serial number and on the barrel flats
The grade was also engraved in script on the top of the right barrel.
Additional information and pictures of the different grade engraving patterns may be found for the following eras:
COPYRIGHT
L.C. Smith Collectors
Association 2015
Updated 02/17/2015
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