The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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    Re: L. C. Smith Field Grade Archived Message

    Posted by David Williamson on January 8, 2011, 7:16 am, in reply to "Re: L. C. Smith Field Grade"
    174.49.147.138

    To help clarify the re-used serial numbers, this has happened earlier also, but to help you with yours. The Field Grade guns started as stated in 1913, before that they were the 00 Grade. The serial number of yours from 1920 would be FW 20319, from 1947 would be FW S20319. The "S" is the key for guns made after 1945.

    You must also remember that the Field Grade was the lowest priced hammerless gun made and therefor used heavily some times. Finding one from that year in excellent shape is quite rare as most were not "closet queens". So whomever bought the gun, if heavily used, wanted to refreshen it up and I hope that they did not hot blue it as this could cause major problems in loosening the solder holding the ribs on. Please make sure what type of bluing was used. A good gunsmith can tell you that.

    If gun has not been hot blued and the price is reasonable for you, there is no reason not to buy it as it would never be classified as a collector but just a very good shooter.

    Good luck in your decision and do hope that you become a member in this fine organization.

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