Aprox. When did A&F get out of the sporting goods business? 1960's?

I've seen a Heiser case before. They are very nice, but the ones I've been around were "tooled" all over like a Gene Autry parade saddle. Not my cup-o-tea, but you could still tell they were quality.

Wouldn't the maker still put their mark somewhere on the case?

8-bore, was A&F based out of NYC? When did you see their facility?