 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
LC Smith (Hunter Arms)
Guns International #: 100766984 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Shotguns - Cartridge - LC Smith Shotguns
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Sentry44
Member Since: 8/11/15
State: New York
Zip: 10900
Country: United States
Phone: (917) 748-1277
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: USPS money order or certified bank check
Description:
** SALE PENDING **
While total “field grade” production of LC Smith guns numbered almost 200,000, within them there are a few rarities. This gun is one of them.
Background - After the bombing of Pearl Harbor the U.S. Army's Rochester Ordnance District in Rochester, NY, placed an order with Hunter Arms for side-by-side shotguns for the purpose of training aerial gunners how to lead moving targets by practicing on a skeet range.
The gun -- According to James Stubbendieck’s “L.C. Smith Production Records,” Ordnance guns have been found to exist sporadically within the 197,321 to 202,813 serial range. They are identified by two stamps on the bottom of the breech end of the barrels: (1) a “flaming bomb” indicating a gun marked for military issue, and (2) the initials “RLB,” which stands for Col. Roy L. Bowlin, Commander of Rochester Ordnance District in 1942-1943 (Source: Brophy, “L.C. Smith Shotguns,” p. 182). According to Stubbendieck (p. 115), a total of 1,512 L.C. Smith field grade shotguns were sent to Rochester Ordnance. However, only 73 were made in 1942…the rest were made the following year. The gun offered here, is # 198,559. Its production began on November 25, 1941 (two weeks before the bombing of Pearl Harbor), and was completed on May 2, 1942. The gun was shipped to Rochester Ordnance on May 9, 1942, referenced as part of order # 52271.
Provenance - As stated above, the production rarity of the gun is affirmed in Stubendieck’s production tables. But the provenance of its production dates and shipment to Rochester Ordnance is affirmed by BOTH a Cody Museum letter referencing Hunter Arms records retained by Marlin after acquiring it in 1945, as well as a letter from the L.C. Smith Collectors Association signed by Stubbendieck himself, bearing the seal of the association.
Condition - FW198,559 is in excellent condition. The barrel bluing is fading but still very good, bearing only some honest use scratches (mostly unseen beneath the fore arm, but some on the top and sides as well). The 12 gauge 28-inch barrels are un-cut, bearing no ripples, and the bores are mirror shiny with no evidence of pitting. The case coloring on the frame is fading in some areas, but is still very strong. Some of the screws are perfect, but others show evidence of turning. The barrels, frame and wood are probably original, or at least appear so to me, but I believe the wood was re-lacquered WITHOUT being refinished, probably a long time ago (perhaps by Rochester Ord.?), because there are 2-3 areas of chipping in the wood around the sideplates and where the bottom of the stock meets the frame, which are glossy inside. If the gloss were original, those chips would show unfinished wood beneath. But I am not certain, and as such, I am not specifically representing the gun as strictly "original condition."
Function - The cocking rods cam very strongly, the firing pins give strong strikes, and the extractor works as expected. The lockup feels sharp and strong. The chambers are 2-3/4 inch, and the chokes are FULL/FULL.
Bonus - Included in the sale will be an ORIGINAL 1942 L.C. Smith 25 page color catalog with two-page price sheet. The price sheet says “Effective November 18th, 1941.” These were the 1942 model year prices…as advertised just three weeks before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This catalog and price sheet are in near *mint* condition, and are easily as rare as the gun. This offers a piece of American history, whether one’s primary collecting interest is in American doubles, or militaria.
Please note the following stipulations:
* Ask any questions BEFORE . Be satisfied beforehand that you understand what you are buying.
** I am not a dealer. After a 3-day unfired inspection, this sale will be FINAL – no returns – as I’ve made every effort to represent the gun fairly and accurately.
*** I will NOT ship internationally…this includes Canada, unfortunately.
**** Given this gun was finished in 1942, you must provide me with valid details of the FFL you wish me to ship to, as well as a photocopy of your driver’s license (proving you are over 18). As I am NOT an FFL holder, I cannot ship directly to a C&R holder. I MUST ship to a valid FFL in all cases.
Kind regards.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: Hunter Arms
Model: LC Smith Field Grade
Serial Number: FW198,559
Bore: smooth
Chambers: 2-3/4
Ejectors: no
Condition: Very Good
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Near Mint
Barrels: 28
Barrel Type: fluid steel
Action: break
Triggers: duel
Gauge Info: 12
Stock: semi pistol
Butt Pad: original
Rib: raised
Sights: duel bead
Manufacture Date: 1942
Choke Left: full
Choke Right: full
Extras: Cody letter, LCSCA letter, original catalog
Case: none