Daryl, the serial numbers in my records are from what I obtained from off the Internet gun sales and auctions. Sometimes it just listed the serial number and a description. The ones I was able to get pictures of I did and some show all and some do not. The ones that show the for-end without any type of latch should be considered post 1880 guns in my opinion.
It would be nice to know the time date of the serial numbers and the range. I got some of the information about the range of serial numbers from John Houchins' book "The Legend Lives". Listed under W.H. Baker & Co. It states the three barrel started at serial number 1 to 300 (I is on the 16 ga drilling). The two barrel starting at 5 to 1650. These are from Syracuse from 1877-1880.
For L.C. Smith the three barrel started at 300 to 1600 and the double barrel 1650-10,000. This is from 1880-1884.
The gentleman who owns the 3 barrel told me the barrels are cut to 22 inches but shooting a .38 he is able to get a decent group at 25 yards. I think he stated it is a 38-55 Ballard.
