I think this is a subject that requires a good bit of study, personal experience and likely one not everyone will agree on each example. In my opinion AH FOX is the only early American manufacturer where such examples are frequent. I once passed a very nice two barrel AE set that was priced right, because I was sure both barrels had been cut. After more experience, I kicked myself for passing on what was very likely proper. But in my opinion, Smith, Lefever, Ithaca, etc, original space between the muzzles is more wishful than not.
