Hunter Arms L.C. Smith A-1 A1 Grade Ejector 12 GA SXS Shotgun, 1898 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1281.56
LSB#: 210710JB06
Make: Hunter Arms Co.
Model: L. C. Smith A-1 Grade
Serial Number: 720
Year of Manufacture: 1898
Gauge: 12 GA, 2 1/2” Shells, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Top Lever Opening Sidelock Double Barreled Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The top-rear of the barrel rib is marked “MADE BY / THE HUNTER ARMS CO / FULTON, NY”. The left barrel flat is marked “720”. The extractor cam is marked “720”. The forend lug assembly is marked “A1”. The forend bracket is marked “720”. The left side of the water table is marked “PAT’D MAR 29,83 / JULY 13,86 / OCT 5,86”. The right side of the water table is marked “720”. The guard is marked “720”. Each sideplate at the front is marked “L. C. SMITH” on a banner. The receiver, lever, guard and forend iron have A-1 grade engraving with hunting dog scenes on each side and a woodcock on the trigger guard.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Both Full, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead screwed into the rib near the muzzle. The rib is finely checkered to reduce glare.
Weight: 8 lb., 2.2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a splinter forend, flat-bottom half pistol grip, straight comb and a serrated black plastic Fajen buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks and scratches. There is a more notable ding below the left lockplate. The forend has some wood fill at the rear edge where it meets the forend iron. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 15” from the front of the forward trigger and 14” from the front of the rear trigger to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb is 1 7/8″ and the drop at heel is 3 1/4″. The cast is about neutral. The plate has light wear and some residue around the edges. The stocks rate in about Very Good-plus overall condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright. There is some scattered light erosion, minor pitting, and a few scattered small dents visible in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrels retain strong damascus patterning with a few light nicks and scratches, a few scattered minor dents and infrequent discoloration from oxidation. The receiver’s case color has mostly muted with color remaining on the water table. The receiver has some scattered minor oxidation and a few light marks. The guard has mostly worn to white with scattered minor oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. Its safety returns to safe automatically when the action is opened. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The history of the L.C. Smith firearms is quite interesting. L. C. Smith formed a partnership with L. H. Smith and W.H. Baker to manufacture a three-barrel gun in 1879. L. C. Smith took over the company in 1880 and in 1884 began manufacturing hammer shotguns. Smith became interested in a new-fangled invention called the typewriter, and sold the company in 1888 to John Hunter. Smith went on to form the Smith-Corona company and became a world leader in the manufacture of typewriters. The L. C. Smith shotguns manufactured by Hunter Arms went on to become some of the highest quality shotguns made in the United States. This is an L. C. Smith A-1 shotgun made by Hunter Arms. The A-1 is quite scarce, only 752 were produced, and featured automatic ejectors and fine damascus barrels. This is an A-1 chambered for 12 gauge with 30″ barrels choked Full. The gun is in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique with minor wear in its original metal, replacement stocks which show minor wear consistent with storage and handling more than use, and decent bores, though there are a few scattered minor dents. This is a nice old L.C. Smith that will add nicely to a collection missing an A-1. Please see our photos and good luck!