Does anyone have some good info on the Syracuse Arms Co? I thought I remembered a good article with pics in the DGJ but I'm not finding it. Does anyone have a catalog showing a D grade cut and/or description?

I just bought a D grade 10 ga (in Syracuse, NY) and I cant get over the engraving and inlays in the wood. Damn impressive. The gun feels and handles like a 12ga.

Thanks,

Tom tjw@foxriversporting.com

What do you want to know, as I'm sure we can assist you. Please start by posting some pics and the serial number. I know of three other D Grade marked Syracuse Arms Hollenbeck marked guns; and there is an article in a past issue of the DGJ about one of those in the 2XXX serial number range, which did feature outstanding wood and engraving.

Thanks for your reply. The serial number is 180. I will get some pix together sometime.

What I'm curious to know is if this level of engraving & inlay is typical of D grade Syracuse Arms guns and that's why I was hoping to see a catalog cut(s).

No early catalogs have ever surfaced that describe the Hollenbeck line; a complete list of grades offered, or with cuts of early engraving styles offered within various SAC/Hollenbeck grades. I have seen a copy of a very early Syracuse/Hollenbeck gun catalog that showed cuts of their lowest Hollenbeck grades, Grade O and Grade 1; those models are identical with the exception that the Grade 1 has a small amount of line and scroll engraving (listed at $30 and $35 respectively). The earliest original Syracuse catalog I have seen is from 1896 when the name of the gun had been changed to "THE SYRACUSE"; it listed all the grades offered at the time (O, 1, 2, 3, A, and B), but showed no engraving cuts. Are the inlays in your gun stock inlays, or precious metal frame inlays?

Topgun,

They appear to be "ebony" inlays in both stock and forend and one small "gold" shield behind the tang on top of the grip.

Thanks for the info...I will be giving you a call.

tjw

Here are a couple pics of the D grade Topgun mentioned. I sent him the gun and was proud to see the article he wrote in the Spring 2004 DGJ. I will get my camera out and send you a few more.These have been posted before but don't do the gun justice.
[IMG]http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y98/pauld5/IMG_0638.jpg

I hope you post some pics of your D. I would enjoy seeing them. Paul

Paul,

Thanks for posting the pics of your fantastic gun. I have located the article in my DGJ and really enjoyed it. I will take some pics of my gun as soon as I have the time to do the best job with them that I'm capable of.

tjw