Doesn't each company (and even model) have its own "golden era?" Frequently it is "pre-war" but not always. Pre-64 model 70, Philly Fox, Pre-Marlin LC Smith....

One of the LC Smith's built in the '70's by Marlin isn't an American Classic, but one built by Hunter in the mid 30's is, even though they could be hard for some to tell apart.

CHAZ