"Raimey," thank you very much for the detailed information, which is more than I had hoped to be provided, and is gratefully received.

I am researching a 10-bore boxlock ejector gun that reportedly has "E. C. SCHMIDT, BOSTON, MASS." stamped on the top-rib, is in the 142x serial number range, carries a set of Krupp steel barrels, and evinces what appear to be full side-clips. I am persuaded it is a Lindner-sourced gun. However, I have no other information anent definitive stamps or marks (requisite proofs, country of origin, whether A & D stamp is on breech face, etc.), only that it bears "German proofs" on the barrel flats. The single photograph I have is a right-side, full-length profile.

Given the information you kindly provided, however, I can now deduce that this gun is likely of post-1898 gun manufacture and is not an earlier piece, and ergo can not be defined as an antique firearm. The fact that E. C. Schmidt was in business from the early 1890's to at least 1912 is the final bit of persuasive information, which when added to the foregoing observations, brings me to that logical conclusion. Therefore, though most regrettably, the seller is correct in stating this is a "curio & relic" gun. I buy only antique guns. I will contact the seller Tuesday, in order to refute or confirm these deductions.

Thank you, once again, for your much appreciated response. With my


Best regards,

Edwardian