Continuing with this train of thought, one probably doesn't really want to collect or shoot the true working man's gun of that era - the low-priced Sears, Crescents, Belgians, and JABC's - be they single shots or SxS's.
Better to set the goal a step or two higher, at the level of guns owned by the boss, store owner, dentist, or local banker. Then we get into the Nitro's, Trojans, Fultons, Stevens, Sterlingworth's, etc.
My personal pleasure is using the nicer SxS's of that era - that have been restored to as-new condition. I usually acquire them in fair to good condition, and then refinish, rework, or restock as necessary. None of them would really qualify as the "workingmans gun," but might have been owned by the local doctor or banker.
This is a great thread!
