L. C. Smith Specialty Grade 20 Ga Gauge Side by Side SxS Shotgun – MFD 1949 – C&R OK

Sold For: $3,660

LSB#: 140425LC02 

Make: L.C. Smith 

Model: Specialty Grade 

Serial Number: FWE42128 

Year of Manufacture: 1949 

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells 

Action Type: Top-Break, Side by Side with Individual Ejectors and Hunter One Trigger 

Markings: The left lock plate is marked “L.C. Smith” and with scroll engraving and two pheasants. The right lock plate is marked with scroll engraving and a duck game scene along with L.C. Smith”. The top of the right barrel is marked “L.C. SMITH SPECIALTY GRADE”. The top of the left barrel is marked “HUNTER ARMS CO. INC. M’F’R’S FULTON N.Y. U.S.A.” The barrel flat is marked “FEW42128 / S”. The undersides of the barrels are marked with a proof mark and “REG US PAT OFF” and the Nitro Steel markings. The water table is marked “FWE42128 / S”. The underside of the receiver at the trigger is marked “HUNTER ONE TRIGGER”. The forend hardware is marked “FEW / 42128 / PAT’D MAY 28, 1901”. The bottom tang is marked “FWE42128”. 

Barrel Length: 30” 

Choke: The bores both measure .586” at the muzzle. 

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a copper colored front sight bead. There is a small mark on the solid rib where a mid-rib bead was once mounted. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with deep beautiful grain. There are a few light handling marks on the left side of the buttstock with a compression mark on the right side of the pistol grip. There is a nickel plated pistol grip cap. There is a hairline crack on each side of the forend. There is a compression mark on the underside of the stock at the receiver. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the still pliable white line recoil pad. The stocks rate in about Very Good to Fine overall condition. 

Type of Finish: Blue and In the White 

Finish Originality: The Barrels have been Refinished. 

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There are a few faint dings. There is light erosion scattered in patches. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 88% of its metal current finish. The balance of the finish shows light marks and thinning to the hard edges of the rib. There is light frosting to the barrels and receiver. There are some compression marks on the underside of the receiver. There is a precious metal bar inlayed into the rib as was normal for the Specialty grade. We believe this to be silver. The screw heads are sharp and engraved. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions mostly correct. The right ejector is a bit sticky. The hunter trigger must be switched to fire the second barrel. It is not inertia activated. We have not fired this shotgun. 

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None 

Our Assessment: The 1913 L.C. Smith catalog states “A fine gun in all details, built to last a lifetime. Handsomely engraved . . . with fine lines of the best weapon and at a most moderate price. A thoroughly sound, serviceable gun, well fitted. Every attention has been paid to produce in this our Specialty grade a well-balanced and good shooting-gun and we have every confidence in recommending it to sportsmen who are desirous of having a high quality gun and do not feel justified in purchasing our highest.” Base price in 1913 was $64. The Hunter One-Trigger added $25 and ejectors added $11. The base price was $131 in 1945. This particular shotgun has both the ejectors and the Hunter One Trigger. This was a real almost top of the line shotgun. Whoever bought this originally wanted every option. Now it’s your turn to add it to your collection.