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General discussion => Contemporary Longrifle Collecting => Topic started by: Shreckmeister on May 13, 2011, 10:02:37 PM

Title: Lester Smith Pistol circa 1950
Post by: Shreckmeister on May 13, 2011, 10:02:37 PM

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Title: Re: Lester Smith Pistol circa 1950
Post by: Jim Kibler on May 14, 2011, 12:44:32 AM

That is a neat pistol.  I'm curious how you date it.  I don't know exactly when Lester Smith worked, but the Sell sideplate design makes me question whether this wasn't made after Kindig's book came out in 1960.  I of course could be completely wrong about this though. :)  Thanks for posting this. 

Jim

Title: Re: Lester Smith Pistol circa 1950
Post by: Shreckmeister on May 16, 2011, 01:38:45 AM

Lester Smith died in 1953

Title: Re: Lester Smith Pistol circa 1950
Post by: Blacksmoke on June 01, 2011, 03:01:41 AM

Back about 1976 Sports Afield magazine did a major write up on Lester smith.  He worked with Hacker Martin at times and they made flintlocks largely for the tourist trade during the late 40's and early 50's- if I remember correctly.  Their guns became known as the "Johnson city" school.   Again if I remember correctly.    Hugh Toenjes

Title: Re: Lester Smith Pistol circa 1950
Post by: Glenn on June 01, 2011, 04:40:44 AM

Looks like Mr. Lester Smith was a genius indeed ...  ;D

Title: Re: Lester Smith Pistol circa 1950
Post by: smart dog on June 02, 2011, 01:34:14 AM

Hi Jim,
I think Hacker Martin's shop did a lot of restoration work in the 40's and 50's so perhaps Sell's gun passed thriough his shop?  I always understood that Lester Smith liked to engrave.  The pistol certainly confirms that.

dave