Factory Engraved and Relief Gold Inlaid Hunter Arms Co./L. C. Smith Premier Grade Side by side 12 ga Shotgun with Case

Description:
An extraordinary L. C. Smith Premier Grade 12 gauge with documented factory provenance, this shotgun is listed by serial number in William Brophy’s L. C. Smith Shotguns and is one of only 28 Premier Grade guns manufactured—making it a standout rarity for advanced collectors.

• Documented in William Brophy’s L. C. Smith Shotguns:
  • Listed by serial number on page 214
  • Identified as one of just 28 Premier Grade guns manufactured
  • Shipped from the factory on March 2, 1931
• Factory listing details:
  • Listed as a 12 gauge “REOBV”
  • “R” indicates regular weight configuration
  • “E” indicates automatic ejectors
  • “O” indicates Hunter One Trigger
  • “B” indicates beavertail forend
  • “V” indicates ventilated rib barrels
  • Listed with 30-inch barrels
  • Also listed as having shipped with an extra barrel set, which is not present at this time
• Barrels and rib:
  • Blued barrels
  • 30-inch barrel configuration per factory listing
  • Matted flat ventilated rib
  • Dual white bead sights
  • Rib is hand engraved “L. C. SMITH Premier GRADE”
  • Rib inscription is surrounded by scroll engraving
  • Right tube hand engraved “SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL”
  • Left tube hand engraved “MADE TO ORDER BY THE HUNTER ARMS Co. INC. FULTON, N.Y.”
• Barrel engraving and markings:
  • 1-inch wedges of scroll engraving at each muzzle
  • Dual wedges of scroll engraving at each breech, measuring 1 inch and 2 1/2 inches
  • Standard barrel markings, with the exception of the hand-cut serial number on the jeweled flats
  • 2 3/4-inch chambers
  • Automatic ejectors
• Action and engraving:
  • Stunning casehardened sidelock action
  • Carved fences with relief gold-inlaid bunches of grapes
  • Extensive floral scroll engraving
  • Floral bouquet engraving on both sides of the action bar
  • Engraving flows from the action onto the toplever, triggerguard, and both tangs
• Relief-engraved gold animal inlays:
  • Pointing setter on the left lockplate
  • Partridge on the underside of the action
  • Pointing pointer on the right lockplate
  • All three gold animals show fine detail
• Action details:
  • Jeweled watertable
  • Hand-engraved serial number on the watertable
  • Hand-engraved Premier Grade marking on the watertable
  • Hunter One Trigger
  • Tang-mounted manual safety
  • Gold-inlaid “SAFE” indicator
• Stock and forend:
  • Gorgeous, highly figured wood
  • Fancy multi-panel checkering
  • Schnabel-tip beavertail forend
  • Casehardened and engraved forend iron
  • Straight-hand stock with matching checkering
  • Gold inscription oval featuring a woodcock
  • Hawkins red rubber recoil pad
• Included accessories and case:
  • Brass-cornered leather flat case
  • Canvas case cover
  • L. C. Smith trade label on the interior lid
  • Pair of snap caps
  • Brass oil bottle
  • Decocking block
  • Cleaning tools
• Barrel measurements, right/left:
  • Bore diameter 9 inches from the breech: .731/.730 inches
  • Choke constriction: .039/.036 inches
  • Minimum wall thickness: .028/.030 inches
• Stock measurements:
  • Drop at comb: 1 3/16 inches
  • Drop at heel: 1 13/16 inches
  • Length of pull: 14 3/8 inches
• Weight:
  • 8 lbs. 3 oz.

With its Brophy-documented provenance, Premier Grade rarity, gold-inlaid game scenes, Joseph Whitworth steel barrels, Hunter One Trigger, beavertail forend, ventilated rib, and deluxe case with accessories, this is a highly desirable investment-grade L. C. Smith for the serious collector.

Condition

Exceptionally fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% blue, gold, and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence and crisp engraving. The wood shows a few blemishes, a small crack on both of the lower fingers and rear of the lockplates, and sharp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine. This is a great chance to own a fine and rare American double!

Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: Hunter Arms Company
Model: Premier
Serial Number: RE134903
Barrel Length: 30 inch vent rib
Condition: The bores are mostly bright with some streaking.

Price: $37,499.99