I have no idea where the break point was between high and low grade Smith guns as to stock finishes. A former employee told me that Field and Ideal Grade guns were considered the lowest grades and were produced by the least skilled workers. The highest grade Smith guns sported hand-rubbed finishes produced by a factory concoction called "Rose Oil"; and the costliest Smith guns received as many coats of this stuff as was necessary to achieve the desired finish. Charles Jerred Jr. told me that his father's unfinihsed Deluxe gun had received more than 100 applications of Rose Oil; a few drops at a time carefully rubbed in, then the stock set aside to dry before the next coat was applied. Maybe middle grade Smiths received the same finish; only fewer applications, but that is pure speculation on my part.
