L.C. Smith A1 – ONE OF ONE, SPECIAL ORDER, 97% FACTORY FINISH

L.C. Smith is an iconic name in the vintage American shotgun world; synonymous with high quality, high art shotguns of the early 20^th century.  Those who have studied L.C. Smith guns manufactured by Hunter Arms in Syracuse New York and later in Fulton New York, recognize there were several distinct periods of gun making during the period from 1877-1950 when traditional production of the L.C. Smith gun ceased.  Most notably are the “pre-1913” guns labeled on the barrel rib as “Hunter Arms Co., Fulton NY”, and noted in the catalogues as numbered grades; i.e. Grade 1, Grade 2, etc., as produced from 1890’s through 1912.  The last era were guns made beginning in 1913.  The distinction arises as Hunter Arms made changes to the engraving patterns, barrel markings, wood quality in 1913, when guns became labeled as named grades, i.e.. Field Grade, Ideal Grade, Trap Grade, Specialty Grade, etc.  Only the Monogram Grade will be found in both eras.  Gone were the top grades of pre-1913 guns labeled as the A1, A2, and A3, now replaced with the “Deluxe” and “Premier” grades and their new engraving patterns.  “Why the long history?” you may ask.  IT IS A RARE EVENT WE FIND A 97% ORIGINAL FACTORY FINISHED L.C. SMITH THAT IS CLEARLY A ONE-OF-A-KIND SPECIAL-ORDER GUN.  This L.C. Smith shows in the factory records as a Specialty Grade 12ga. gun with 30” barrels and ejectors.  There are several factory original characteristics that negates the factory letter Specialty Grade specification, most importantly the engraving pattern that is clearly factory original pre-1913  “Optional A1 Style” engraving as noted on page 159 of the book “The Legend Lives” by John Houchins, the “bible” on L.C. Smith guns.  Additionally, the barrels are pre-1913 marked barrels, showing no stamps on the right barrel “L.C. Smith Specialty Grade” or left barrel showing the maker “Hunter Arms Co. Inc. Mfr. Fulton, NY” the way a Specialty Grade would be marked.  Instead, they are marked on the top short rib only with the inscription “Hunter Arms Co, Inc Fulton NY”.  The factory added the INC. marking to the pre-1913-barrel markings to indicate post 1913 era manufacturer.  Pre-1913 guns did not have “Inc.” in the inscription and the “Fulton NY” are smaller than on other pre-1913 barrels.  Those of us that have been around this vintage American gun world recognize a gun like this was likely made for a gunner that knew someone in the factory and wanted something special.  The “friend” would place the order as a Specialty Grade to create a cost point for the billing office, then build the gun to the buyer’s specifications, most often to higher specs than the grade they paid for.  I am certain that is how this gun came to be.  Special in another way as well…it weights 8lbs. 14oz.and has a minimum barrel wall thickness of 51 thousandths.  Made a year before the introduction of the Long-Range L.C. Smith, it is a purpose-built gun for heavy loads and long-range shooting.  THIS IS NOT A “PUT TOGETHER” GUN, but rather a high condition factory original special-order gun that is far more attractive than the typical Specialty Grade gun.  Review the photos and you will find 97% vivid factory case color, 97% factory blued barrels, 98% factory charcoal blue trigger guard with a pair of quail engraved in a vignette and STELLAR A1 ENGRAVING that is still sharp and clear.  The wood is highly figured, has the desirable factory “S” shaped pistol grip, excellent checkering, no cracks, just a few field marks in the wood.  The gun wears a vintage silvers pad with a leather face, typical for a long-range gun made for heavy recoil.  The curved butt and LOP tells me the gun came with the pad from the factory.  For shooters and collectors alike, this is a rare opportunity to own a high-grade L.C. Smith that is certainly a “ONE OF ONE”.  You will never see another like it.  The mechanics are excellent as the gun is barely used.  The barrels have tight ribs, are tight on face and hinge like a new gun, and the top lever is right of center.  She is listed at a very affordable price so don’t hesitate or she will be gone!  Thanks for looking.