LC Smith Hunter Arms Grade 2E 30″ 12 GA Double Barrel SXS Shotgun, 1904 C&R
SOLD FOR: $756.00
WOA#: WY240311SH004
Make: Hunter Arms
Model: L.C. Smith Grade 2e
Serial Number: 202542
Year of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Side by Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: Each sideplate is marked “L.C. SMITH”. The top-rear of the rib is marked “HUNTER ARMS. CO. FULTON, N.Y.”. The water table, the left barrel flat and top of the forend iron are each marked “202542”. The water table and forend iron have patent dates. The left barrel flat is also marked “2E”. There are Hunter Arms Co. Crown Steel markings on the bottom of each barrel. The gun has Grade 2 engraving with fowl scenes on the sideplates.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Both barrels measure Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. The top of the rib is textured to help reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood featuring a splinter forend, a capped semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a hard rubber buttplate. The walnut stocks have some infrequent marks through the finish. The most noticeable marks on the stock are on the belly and comb. There are cracks at the top tang, rear of the lock plates, and at the rear of the forend release. The stocks have been professionally restored. The ebony tip has been replaced with a walnut tip. The checkering is strong.The LOP measures 13 5/8″ and 12 5/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The drop at the comb is 1 1/2″. The drop at the heel is 2 1/2″. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in excellent overall condition as restored.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Professionally Restored
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a small spot of minor oxidation on the bottom of the left barrel at the muzzle. There are some spots of frost on the trigger guard. There are some scattered oil marks. There are light handling marks. The screw heads are well-defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with a Cody Firearms Records Office search indicating that this gun was produced in its current configuration, finished September 8, 1903 and was inspected by inspector “A”.
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 an L.C. Smith shotgun made by Hunter Arms in 1904. This one has wonderful game scenes on the lockplate, a quail scene on the left plate and a duck scene on the right plate. This shotgun is a beautiful nice old L.C. Smith that would make a great addition to almost any collection. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud