Hello I also have been wanting to know more about the L.C. Smith .410 as I own a Field Grade Extractor Gun with a Brass Bead, Ebony Grip Cap, Checker Pistol Grip and Splinter Forearm with Factory Butt plate serial number FWS 55929 which I believe was a 1950 year, made by the Marlin Firearms and I was curious to know how close this was to the last one made as I see in the Brophy Book it lists the serial number #55982, not to High Jack your post but I would like more information on this .410, is the FW for Featherweight and the S for Subsidiary of Marlin, also can you get a Cody Letter on the Marlin Guns from 1945 to 1950 and is it alright to shoot the standard 3" shells 1100 to 1200 fps since this was a more modern made gun, the barrel flats are marked Armor Steel, Hunter Arms Co. Proof Mark Nitro Proof. Thanks Larry