Model 21; "My Syracuse is serial # 25313" - DAM! But thanks, as that is the closest I've come to date.
CZ: Thanks for the link to the SAC gun in the NRA museum; as that is a very interesting example. First of all, it is the only Syracuse "Live Bird" gun I've ever seen; every other example I've see had a safety. Secondly, I wish a serial number had been provided so that I could accurately date the gun; but suspect it would date between 1896 and 1900 because 1)it has the early frame with narrow top strap (1893-1901), 2) it is marked The Syracuse and has auto ejectors (1896 and later marked Syracuse gun in A & B grade came standard with ejectors; early guns, those from 1893-1895, are marked The Hollenbeck and were not offered with ejectors), 3) the gun appears to feature the early B Grade engraving pattern (the only catalogs I've found between 1896 and 1900 listed no grade higher than "B"). And although I wish the NRA had posted additional detailed pics, this example is at least a B Grade based on certain features; the quality and pattern of checkering on forearm and stock, and the unique trigger guard profiling. Early B Grade engraving is elaborate; it is all fancy scroll, flower, and border work and includes no game scenes; as we see with this example. In 1901, Syracuse changed the B Grade engraving pattern to feature a single pointing dog on either side (pointer and setter); the pattern will also feature lots of scroll, but not as intricate and there is no longer near 100% coverage of the frame. The only variations I've seen in 1901 and later Grade B engraving patterns is in the engraved dog depictions where I've seen one example ordered with two pointing setters, one example with both dogs pointing backwards towards the shooter, and two examples with one dog pointing forward towards the muzzles and the other pointing backwards.
Finally, the NRA is waaaaay off with their claim of 1876 for this example; one would think they could get a more accurate and complete description given the information currently available.
