1893 L.C. Smith Farm Implement Pigeon Gun; post 125 years of wood shrinkage and use



1902 A2 Variation 2



It is my opinion that the (1886) design defect leading to cracks at the apex of Smith sideplates is here; inadequate wood at the head of the stock with cracks extending toward the butt. The rotary bolt, the top lever spindle, the safety and the cocking cams all require removal of wood, and the width of the vertical channel for the spindle is usually larger than necessary.



http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17090409

For comparison; a Baker Batavia Special



Baker Paragon



Early Baker B grade



More examples
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/15127852

Purdey courtesy of C.J. Opacak - wow



Obviously a large gap around the lock IS a potential problem, but it is interesting how few utility grade Crescents are cracked


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