Keith: It's been so long since those articles were published that I honestly don't recall all the issues; only that my research was published as a series and was spread over 10-11 issues. I actually wrote an article on the Grade three, but never submitted the piece, as I became disgusted with the fact that my work was being combined with that of another researcher so that adequate space did not remain for illustrative pics and captions.
CZ: The Grade 3 actually seems to be a rarer grade than the Grade A SAC gun, so I'm glad to know you are restoring the piece. I attribute that conclusion examples found, and to the price points between the Grade 3 and Grade A; the Grade 3 was listed at $50, with ejectors it was $65 with another $5 for the optional on/off device (after 1902), and another $2 for capped or full PG treatment over the standard round knob. The Grade A gun listed for $70-75 and came standard with ejectors (and the on/off device after 1902), better wood and checkering, fancy Damascus or Krupp steel, and the grip treatment of your choice. The nicest Grade 3, finishes wise, example I've seen is a neat little 16-bore and is owned by C. Baumohl; perhaps Chris will post some photos. The most interesting Grade 3 I've seen belongs to C. Schotz. With that gun, the engraver began his work on what appears to be a frame bearing the standard Grade 3 pattern, and ended with a fully engraved frame; the transition was superb, and the finished result very pleasing to the eye. Afterward the 3 stamp on the frame was over stamped "D", but the gun was shipped with standard Grade 3 Damascus barrels, wood, and checkering; but the gun lacks the game scene engravings and special stock carvings seen on all other actual Grade D SAC guns. This gun was most likely done for an employee, but could have been an experimental piece that was submitted as a suggested pattern to be used on one of the higher grade SAC guns. Perhaps Chris will post a photo or two of his interesting gun.
