Hello Pat,
I may be able to help. As Eightbore mentioned, there are no surviving Lindner nor Prussian Daly records. Instead a dedicated group of Lindner enthusiasts has worked to collect information on Lindner guns. Michael Petrov and Bill Wise began the effort and now I maintain the database of Lindner guns. At last count the database held over 260 Lindner and "related" guns recorded with more being added each week. I added two more last night - one of which now sits in my gun safe. :-)
The database of guns in concert with 20+ period catalogs has been the best source for dating Lindner Daly guns. Unfortunately the numbering sequence, especially for the earlier crown over pistols marked guns, is not straightforward (an understatement), but I think we are getting very close.
In regard to your Daly -
My best estimate is that your gun was made circa-1901. Here's what I'd expect to seee on your gun:
- HAL over crossed pistol marks ahead of the barrel flats
- Typical 1892 German proofs, but not 1912 proofs
- Country of origin mark on the action flats ("PRUSSIA")
- A second serial number of sorts ahead of the barrel flats mid-way toward the forend lug about 200 numbers greater than the serial number
- Likely a set of small initials ahead of the barrel flats (e.g., "RW")
Your gun may or may not have sideclips as these were introduced right about this time (this feature will also be model dependent.) I'd expect it to have cocking inddicators and a horn or ebony forend tip.
The exact date SD&G stopped offering damascus barrels is not clear. The 1899 catalog shows damascus as an option. By 1902 only fluid steel was offered though it is very likely it could be special ordered after that time.
What model Daly do you have Pat? I'd love to add it to the database if you'd be willing to (privately) provide me some additonal information. Let me know if you are looking for any other other information and I'll provide what I can.
Best regards,
Ken
