Daryl, you are correct, the A2 came in 4 different styles of engraving, and the stepped lock was the first style.
Nothing wrong with your pictures, and yes that was a lot of money back then, but look what it would bring today.
This gun is lettered to be a Monogram, and has far more engraving than one. It was built for James C. Hunter and is still in the family. At the 5th Annual Hunter Homecoming in Fulton this past August, it was shot by the family for the first time in over 40 years after it was passed down. It was built without a safety.
This side showed a hunter (most likely James) shooting at woodcock with 3 setters. The other side has a shooter, again probably him, shooting at grouse along with the setters.
I had the pleasure to shoot this gun. I did not see any signatures on it. Joseph Glahn was still alive when this gun was made and there is a resemblance in the engraving to guns signed by him.
