For my two-cents, better pix would seriously aide in evaluating this Smith; but based on what I see (or think I see) here, this example is suspect. I believe I've seen as many Grade 4 Smith guns as anyone, and I've never seen a Grade 4 from any production period that did not have engraving or matting on the short rib between the rib joint and rib extension. The simple roll-stamped maker's name and address seen here is common to only the lower grade pre-13 Smith guns. And although the poor pic of the barrel flats leaves a degree of uncertainty, the pic appears to show blued barrel flats. All the original Grade 4 Smith guns I've seen either had jeweled barrel flats, or flats polished bright; that was a feature Hunter Arms used to distinguish higher grade guns from their lower grade offerings. And although I haven't seen all 15 of the cataloged Grade 4 20-bores, I've seen several and have yet to see a Grade 4 20-bore without auto-ejectors; anyone have the Houchins book handy that can check that fact? If it is original, I would say that a Grade 4 Smith 20-bore with manual extractors would indeed be a rare bird. Before you buy this gun be sure to invest in a research letter, which are available thru the LC Smith Collectors Association; and verify basic gun specifications beginning with gun grade. Auction prices are crazy at the moment, but if this is a flat new original; I believe it would fetch more than $20K at auction, as 5-6 years ago a gentleman arrived at the Southern Side x Side with a rare and virtually mint 4E Smith 16-bore that fetched $23K as I recall.
