Lightning Bolts

[jmc]

Hello,

I did a search here on the forum and elsewhere on the web and couldn’t find the meaning or symbology that the gold ‘lightning bolts’ as found on some of the FE barrels represent... I’ve observed several different styles but all seem to be generally of the same design of a single ‘bolt’ and very simple but beautiful inlay. Any insight into the origin and meaning is appreciated.

Thanks,
Jerry

[Stan Hillis]

My thought was always that it was symbolic, as in the gun saying "I kill like lightning". But, I have no historical sources for that. I used to not like them, but am slowly coming around.

SRH

[Researcher]

I've always thought they looked silly, but I've never owned an F-/FE-Grade.

[vaturkey]

I've always thought they looked silly, but I've never owned an F-/FE-Grade.

Have to tell you I agree completely. They have zero appeal for me. Can't believe too many were sold. That's said, it sure would be easy to pick out in a FE grade Fox in 1920 if a bunch of rich lawyers were out duck hunting with their high grade Parkers, Foxes and L. C. Smiths.

[Dave Erickson]

Overkill!

[Researcher]

Not just Ansley H. Fox. Look at the L.C. Smith A3 on the dust jacket of Col. Brophy's book and on pages 47 to 49. The De Luxe Grade (third style) pages 84 & 85 also has the lightning bolts. Also a Quality No. 7 Syracuse L.C. Smith on the dust jacket of John Houchins' book and on pages 94 to 97.

[Dave Erickson]

I am a field grade guy at heart. Walnut, steel, and honest wear trip my trigger.

[Silvers]

R.W. Elliott shows several Uncle Dan Grade Cross-bolt Lefevers with lightning bolts on their breeches. They were made in 1901-05 and thus pre-date the earliest A H Fox F/FE Grade guns. I'm not a L.C. Smith enthusiast and don't know about the dates of manufacture of the LCS guns referenced here.

[jolly bill]

I kinda like it . . .

[Foxnut]

I like em and would love to own an FE!!

[abner]

I'm a fan, Lightning Bolts, kind of like my shooting, I never know where it's going to go.

[jmc]

I was unsure of my recollection of early LCS higher grades as pictured in Brophy’s book book which I have but somewhere in a box at the moment... but yes, they had them as others as have noted.. The geometry of these are in such contrast to the arcs and scrolls that I’m thinking there must be symbolism at play that may have been an identifier of more than just early 20th century ‘bling’... It’s been raining for 2 weeks straight here in hilll country and the mind wonders when one can’t get into the fields for the mud.. I appreciate your thoughts and don’t mind the biases at all.. I’m a field grade guy for the most part as well although I do have a thing for the later A-grades as they are...

[Stan Hillis]

I'm a fan, Lightning Bolts, kind of like my shooting, I never know where it's going to go.

Now, that's a good one, Ralph. And, for me, never hitting in the same place twice!!

SRH

[Stan Hillis]

This is the most elaborately embellished Fox, though not nearly the most expensive, I have ever handled/examined...............three years ago. And, while it had no lightning bolts, it was not short on gold. An original Gough Special, 30" barrels, 12 ga., #2249.

Some don't like gold inlays, feeling they are ostentatious or over the top. I like them if they're done well, and I'd say these were done well.







My apologies for the poor quality of these pics. I was finding it hard to hold still, my heart was beating so hard.

SRH

[TOOL MAN]

Actually the bolts are very symbolic. It was often the last thing (think bright light) hubby saw after the Ms' learned he just blew $500 on a freakin' shotgun!!!