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According to the L.C. Smith Collector's Association, only 21 Hunter Arms Co. Grade 5 shotguns were produced in 20 gauge.
LOT 1501
Rare Factory Game Scene Engraved L. C. Smith/Hunter Arms 20 Gauge Grade 5 Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 5681E, 120 bore gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1910 as one of a total of only 21 guns built in 20 gauge according
to the numbers given by the L. C. Smith
Collector’s Association. Blued Nitro Steel
barrels with single brass bead sight on the matted concave solid rib which is marked “MADE TO ORDER BY THE
HUNTER ARMS CO FULTON N.Y.” followed by a single gold inlaid bar, single bands of engraving at either muzzle, single bands of engraving at either
breech as well as 1 1/4 inch wedges, and chambers lengthened to 3 inches and subsequently marked as such on the water table with automatic
ejectors. The casehardened action and lock plates display beautiful bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding two excellent dog scene vignettes as
well as an “L. C. Smith” banner on either lockplate. The scenes consist a pair of setters in a forested scene on the left lockplate and a pair of pointers in
a forested scene on the right plate both showing the dogs on point and ready to flush. The toplever, both tangs, and the trigger guard show the same
bouquet and scroll engraving. The gun features the desirable single selective Hunter One Trigger and a tang mounted manual safety switch with a
gold inlaid “S”. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and ebony tip inlay and round knob pistol grip stock with
a Pachmayr Old English recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .637/.621 inches; choke constriction .011/.022 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.027 inches; 1 11/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% refurbished blue finish, 50% original case colors with the balance an attractive silver patina, crisp markings and engraving, and overall minor handling evidence. The lightly freshened wood is very fine with a small chip at the rear of the left lockplate, a few scattered minor dings and scratches, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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