Mike, I know the extension ribs on L.C. Smiths were brazed on, the top and bottom ribs were soft soldered. The loop (lug) was held on by a screw from under the top rib to the loop and then soft soldered.
I think that brazing would also add too much heat as brass melts fairly high. Silver solder is high also. The small diameter that I use for silver soldering my band saw blades, I either had to use oxy/acetylene or Mapp gas in a bottle to make it flow, propane would not do it.
Thanks David. Did not know that about the Smith's loop, or even that it was ever done that way.
I am still curious why loop, lug, and hook welding doesn't show up on any other lower cost twentieth century American double. Would seem to be very strong and relatively inexpensive.
