Okay..from the start let me state that I know how many old shotgun inquiries start with "I have Grandpa's old shotgun". A large proportion of these turn out to involve Crescent Arms guns. They are usually whipped old beaters that served the same function as any other tool of the depression era. I admit to viewing the name with disdain. BUT...On lunch break from jury duty today I had an hour to kill, and found a gun shop. On the rack was a Crescent "New Empire" 20ga. 2 3/4", sxs, 26"bbls., i/c & mod, original butt plate, 90% case, 95% blue, 98% original stock finish. Don't get me wrong....you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig. BUT... this gun was NICE! Light, great condition, tight as a drum, perfect bores, clean handling. The case colors shine through original varnish. Price? $400.00. I hemmed and hawed...$400.00 is ALOT for a lipstick covered pig. BUT... it's a really nice 20 ga. AMERICAN sxs in very unusual upland configuration in great condition, dating fom the early thirties. I have a twelve year old son who shot his first woodcock in October who needs a gun.....yeah..you guessed it..I bought it. Upon closer examination when I got home, I am even more impressed. Yes..the manufacturing is crude. File marks all over the place. Barrel soldering that looks like a bad plumbing job. BUT...where it counts, fit and finish is extraordinary. The breechface fit is amazing. Forend snaps on like a Mercedes door closing. Stock to lock plate fit is as good as any field grade L.C.Smith or Ithaca Nitro Special. It weighs 6.5 lb. It looks like a Lefever or an L.C. Smith. Case colors that would approach (but not equal) a nice 1893 Marlin rifle. I would challenge any modern gun company to produce an equivalent gun at a similar price level. I recently examined a modern 12 ga. "Marlin L.C.Smith". It made my pig look like a leopard. I am rambling I realize...but the end point is that I have a new respect for hardware store doubles. When new, these were eminently serviceable guns (Crescent New Empires anyway) that could withstand year upon year of abuse..as most did. Where else can you buy such a gun for $400.00? I am proud to give this lovely old piece of American shotgun history to my twelve year old for Christmas this year, and have no doubt that it will account for many Vermont Grouse and Woodcock for years to come!