" Your L.C. Smith hammer gun was made by the Hunter Arms Co between 1890 and 1894. It would be referred to as a type I hammer gun, and as you thought the "F" indicates the grade, which in this case, is the lowest grade made in the hammer guns. The hammer guns were always the lowest priced L.C. Smiths after the hammerless models were introduced. The value of your particular gun has been greatly impacted by the refinishing of both the metal and wood, particularly since the finish on the frame and barrels is not the correct finish. The frame, top lever and hammers would have originally been case hardened, with the barrels being rust blued. I can't tell for sure from the one picture you sent, but it appears that the barrels may have been hot blued and that often ruins them for use, because the caustic bluing solution attacks the solder that joins the barrels and ribs and causes them to separate. In any case, the barrels would have been made of Damascus steel, and the pattern would show clearly with original or properly refinished barrels."
So someone sanded out the checkering on the stock? It looks so original I couldn't tell there used to be checkering. I am completely brokenhearted that someone blued over Damascus steel.. as little as I know about guns and knives, I certainly know that must have been a profoundly stupid idea. I knew LCs used Damascus but I assume this model didn't have a Damascus barrel, because, well, who would blue over Damascus? As a consolation, I did get this in Arkansas, which might explain some things... As to the bluing process, I can't find any evidence that this gun is "loose" in any location. It's very solid and tight. I cleaned the inside of the barrels last night and they looked good, though I'm no expert. I didn't see any flaws in the barrel. I apologize for the pictures - I'm still working on getting some stand lights to take better quality pictures but any additional info anyone might have is most appreciated.