BV
Albert Kraus was head of Hunter's engraving shop in 1909 when this gun was produced; and although he may not have cut every line, he certainly did the majority of the work we see. Mr. Kraus was an undisputed master of his craft, but functioning also as department head, he was also responsible for insuring all members of his staff received enough hours each week to make a living. The result was that one worker might be assigned frame filing/sculpting, another border lines, and so forth according to individual skill levels which is why we do not see Smith guns (I've seen some engraving time/pay slips from the 30's; rates ranged from $.10-.30/hour) signed by A.E. Kraus (I hear rumors, but haven't seen an authentic piece). Early Smith guns inscribed Glahn S.C. do exist; but Kraus's master apprentice Charles Jarred, Jr. did not sign his work either in following the tradition of his master (Jerred did, however, place his engraver's mark, his initials "CHJ" disguised as scroll, on some Ruger pistols he engraved for Strum Ruger long after the Smith gun works had closed; and he did inlay those same initials on his personal Smith gun that he never completed). I've seen detailed photos of the recently discovered second A-3 20-bore and the style and quality of the engraving on that gun is identical to the engraving seen on the A-3 in the article. I'm too dumb to post pics here, but if you wish to send an email to tomarcher@charter.net I'll be happy to forward photos of the engraving on the fake gun along with those of the authentic gun for comparison purposes. Best, Tom
