Not an expert on this subject, but my SWAG says a higher grade of shotgun, especially a "London Best" was a bespoke gun, or matched pair thereof. In America, my SWAG says that more elaborate engraving, wood grain, etc. was the point of demarcation as to grade differences, despite the flowery ad copy used by, let's say: Hunter Arms and Parker Brothers from pre-WW1 up to 1930 era.. I have several 12 gauge L.C. Smiths-- (1) my "barnyard" utility- I hate the term "beater" 1 12 gauge R frame field grade made in 1921- 30" F&F, DT, Ext. Good stock dims, my working gun for barnyard shooting: pigeons, crows, raccoons, woodchucks feral cats, etc. All shot with AA trap loads, 1&1/8 oz. No. 8's- I like the extractors, as I save my empties, and also do not leave litter of any sort on the properties where I am fortunate to have access, and also because dairy cattle are prone to picking up and swallowing things, including spent shells. The dead birds and vermin get pitchforked into the farmer's "Turd Hearse" for future field fertilization. In comparison, I also have a 1912 era Smith 4E- Hot, 30" F&F, same as the field grade Smith-R framed, splinter FE, POW Grip--same good stock dins, but NOT by any means a "matched pair".. So- is the steel used in the frame, components and barrels any different from the 1921 mfg. Field Grade from the 1912 mfg. Grade 4E?? To my eye, the only variation, ejectors and HOT nonwithstanding, is the engraving, the checkering and the wood grain. Or, am I missing something??? RWTF
