L.C. Smith Hunter Arms Specialty Grade 20 GA 28” IC/IC SxS Shotgun, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,625
LSB#: 231027DD001
Make: L.C. Smith, made by Hunter Arms
Model: Specialty
Serial Number: 4813
Year of Manufacture: 1913 – 1919
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 2 1/2” Chamber
Action Type: Side by Side Double Barrel Hammerless Shotgun with Single Select Trigger and Ejectors
Markings: 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 bottom of each barrel is marked with a registered patent and nitro proof mark. Each side of the barrel flat has a proof mark and logo, the left barrel flat is marked “FwE4183 / S”, the right barrel flat is not showing any markings. The inside of the forend iron is marked “FwE / 4183 / PAT’D, MAY. 28 1901”. Each side plate is marked “L.C. Smith” with hand-engraved scroll engraving with a quail scene on the left side and a flying duck scene on the right. The receiver has a scroll motif. The right of the water table is marked “FwE 4813 / S”. The trigger plate has scroll motif and “HUNTER ONE TRIGGER”. The trigger guard is engraved and the bottom tang is marked “4813”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Both barrels measure Improved Cylinder, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. The top of the rib is finely checkered to help reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lbs, 5.2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood featuring a splinter forend with and ebony-colored nose piece, a capped semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows some light nicks, scratches, compressions and a few minor handling and storage marks. The checkering has a few spots of compression or wear but overall remains distinct. The LOP measures 14.13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The drop at the comb is 1.38”. The drop at the heel is 2.5”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished barrels, Original finish on the receiver.
Bore Condition: The bores are gray. There is some persistent fouling and light erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 7 or 8 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some spots of contact wear on the receiver. There are scattered nicks and handling marks throughout. The screw heads are well-defined. The markings on the receiver are clear. The markings on the barrel assembly are muted in the refinish but mostly discernible. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with a green Bob Allen soft-sided carrying case.
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 made between 1913 – 1919, chambered in 20 gauge with 28” barrels. The finish looks great and you owe it to yourself to see the photos, the work is gorgeous. The shotgun is in Fine condition with about 95% of its finish remaining and nice bores. This would make 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 in your bidding!
-J. Ren
