I don't believe he was into the assembly from part idea in the mid 80s. He was worth over 100 thousand dollars that year and had no reason to work that hard. I think he contracted, perhaps as you said, through Shoverling, Gales and Daly to get these imported to the US with his name on them. I have never seen another like this and since I bought it in Denver five years ago, it may have belonged to him. He typically had samples of special gun on display, so that customers could order. Did this with Sharps and Colts too. He also carried Parkers and other brands.