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LOT 506
Rare Factory Engraved Hunter Arms Co./L. C.
Smith .410 Bore Specialty Grade Double Barrel
Shotgun - Serial no. FWE83574, 410 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1925, a year prior to L. C.
Smith selling shotguns in .410 bore, meaning that this is a very early example. According to the table on page 177 of “L. C. Smith Shotguns” by William
Brophy, this gun is one of only 33 Specialty Grades manufactured in a .410 bore chambering making this an exceedingly rare gun. Built with blued
steel barrels featuring a single bead on the matted concave solid rib, standard markings on the watertable, and chambers measured 3 inches with
ejectors. The right and left barrels are marked “L.C. SMITH Specialty GRADE” and “HUNTER ARMS CO. INC. M’F’R’S FULTON, NY, USA” respectively as well
as with a flourish of scroll at either breech. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened sidelock action which displays standard Specialty Grade engraving
of flowing broad scrollwork surrounding a pair of quail in a field on the left, a duck in flight over a pond on the right, and L. C. Smith signatures on either
lockplate. The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety. The gun is fitted with a lightly figured and multi-point checkered splinter
forearm with engraved fittings and contrasting rosewood tip as well as a beautifully figured round knob pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap and serrated
buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .411/.411 inches; choke constriction .018/.033 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at
comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, some softening on the barrel markings,
and sharp checkering on the replacement stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. This is a fantastic opportunity to own this incredibly rare small bore L. C. Smith!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
According to "L.C. Smith Shotguns" by
Brophy, only 33 L.C. Smith Specialty Grade
shotguns were produced in .410 bore.