I recently acquired an early 1897, SN 53031, which as I understand it puts it at around just 1,700 SN above the first takedowns for this model.  After lettering it, I was able to confirm that this is a true early takedown Brush gun, and from appearances and condition, I believe that everything is completely original and not messed with as it has an early iteration of the barrel markings without later patent dates, a domed magazine tube cover, the slightly shorter LOP of 13 1/2 and a widows peak rubber buttpad reserved for higher grade guns and “CYL” marked on the barrel.

What I do find a bit puzzling though is that the serial number has only been applied to the receiver and not to the barrel/takedown extension.  It doesn’t appear to be worn off or anything like that as the markings for the barrel and SN on the receiver are still quite crisp.  Is this common or seen on early 1897 takedown models or is this possibly an oversight/new practice at the time?  The SN was applied on June 16, 1898.

I’m also curious how many earlier takedown brush guns have appeared in the surveys undertaken thus far?