L.C. Smith Specialty Grade SE 30″ Full 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1917 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2776

LSB#: 230215SH004

Make: L.C. Smith

Model: Specialty Grade

Serial Number: 219781

Year of Manufacture: 1917

Gauge: 12 GA, 2 5/8” Shells

Action Type: Top Lever Opening Sidelock Double Barreled Shotgun with Dual Triggers and Ejectors

Barrel Length: 30″

Choke: Left: Full, Right: Full, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: There is a large white bead fixed to the front of the rib and a smaller mid-bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.

Weight: 8 lb., 3.6 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a splinter forend, inlaid ebony triangle at the front of the forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have only a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The LOP measures 14 1/2″ and 13 1/2″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb is 1 1/2? and the drop at heel is 2 1/4?. The plate has minor wear with a more notable nick at the toe, retaining sharp serrations. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is handling wear in the tangs and trigger guard with some scattered light nicks and small scratches. The receiver retains generally strong case color. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The barrels lock solidly to the frame. The safety engages automatically upon opening. 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. When Marlin bought the Hunter Arms Co. in 1945, they began manufacturing the same guns under the L. C. Smith Gun Company title. A fire caused destruction of most of the manufacturing capability in 1949 and in 1950, the factory was closed.

This is an L. C. Smith Specialty Grade shotgun that was made in 1917, chambered in 12 gauge with 30” barrels choked Full. The shotgun is in Fine condition with about 94% of its finish remaining and a good tight lockup. This would make a great addition to any L.C. Smith, double-barrel, American, or really any shotgun collection and would also make a fine field shotgun to this day. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud