Guns International #: 102113091
Seller's Inventory #: 226808

Category - LC Smith Shotguns - Shotguns - American

Category
LC Smith Shotguns
Shotguns - American

L.C. SMITH/HUNTER ARMS Grade “3E” Side by Side 12 g. Hammerless SHOTGUN C&R PRE-1913 Sporting/Hunting Shotgun with EJECTORS

Description:
L.C. SMITH/HUNTER ARMS Grade “3E” Side by Side 12 g. Hammerless SHOTGUN C&R

PRE-1913 Sporting/Hunting Shotgun with EJECTORS

Here we present a C&R L.C. Smith/Hunter Arms Grade “3E” 12 Gauge Double Barrel Hammerless Shotgun, manufactured circa 1894-1912 in Fulton, New York. The era of the great American double-barreled shotgun lasted for almost 100 years, from shortly after the Civil War in the late 1860s until the middle of the 20th century. Grand old names like Parker, Fox, Ithaca, Winchester and L.C. Smith topped the list of the better double guns that were made in the United States. Each of these brands have many advocates, users and collectors.

The 1900 L.C. Smith catalog reported that the No. 3 grade with: "Nitro Steel barrels is considered by many to be the finest medium-grade on the market. This grade always pleases as in it we give so much of value." Usually, this grade had ducks (right lock plate) and quail (left lock plate) engraved in ovals, rather than in circles, as found on the No. 2 shotguns. Barrels were either a "fine quality" of Chain Damascus (8, 10, 12, and 16 gauges) or Nitro Steel (12, 16, and 20 gauges). As with many of the other grades, production of 20 gauge shotguns began in 1907. Records indicate that three 8 gauge, 51 10 gauge, 2,592 12 gauge, 253 16 gauge, and 143 20 gauge guns were made. Barrel lengths were advertised to be 32, 30, and 28 inches. The barrel extension was stamped HUNTER ARMS CO. FULTON, N.Y. Stocks were made from English walnut in straight or pistol grip. The 1900 L.C. Smith catalog notes: "Purchasing gun stocks in very large quantities as we do makes it possible for us to give something choice even in the No. 3 grade. We are always careful to give as choice a color and figure as possible." Lightweights were available with the 12 gauge weighing 6 pounds and 12 ounces and the 16 gauge weighing 6 pounds and 8 ounces. A total of 3,042 No. 3 guns were made, and 2,432 had automatic ejectors. It was priced at $100 in 1892 and $90 in 1912.

The L.C. Smith Company has a rather complex history. Lyman Cornelius Smith and his older brother, Leroy, entered the gun business in partnership with William H. Baker in 1877 to manufacture the Baker series of shotguns. In 1880, Lyman (L.C.) Smith bought out his brother and William Baker. Leroy Smith, William Baker and some other partners went on to form Ithaca Gun Co. L.C. continued to make the Baker guns, which were marked “L.C. Smith, Maker of the Baker Gun.” The Baker models were phased out beginning in 1884, and by 1886 newly designed hammer and hammerless side-by-sides were being made by “L.C. Smith, Maker.” At about this time, L.C. was looking beyond the firearms industry for his next business venture. He was intrigued by the recent invention of a gadget that would eventually have as huge an impact on our culture as the firearm. It was called the typewriter, and Smith made the decision to sell his gun company and go into the typewriter business. In 1888 he sold the company to John Hunter of Fulton, New York, who formed the Hunter Arms Company and continued making the L.C. Smith shotguns in a new factory in Fulton. From 1889 until 1945, L.C. Smith shotguns were made by Hunter Arms Company.

The overall condition is fine. Original finish. Nice engraving. The numbers match. The action is excellent. Ejectors are strong. The bores are shiny bright. The stock is solid with some honest wear apparent.

This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrels: 30 inches.

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Chambers: 2-3/4 inches with Ejectors

Chokes: Modified/Full

Length of Pull: 14 inches

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$1800

#226808
 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes