The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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    Baker 3 barrel serial number 1 Archived Message

    Posted by David Williamson on January 27, 2014, 5:02 pm

    I had a call from a gentleman in California who frequents this site and whose brother is a member. He had seen something that I posted regarding some Smith Baker guns. He called me and said he would send some pictures through the mail as he did not know how to do it on the computer. Today I received the pictures. Very, very interesting gun. It has L.C. Smith Maker of Baker Guns, Syracuse, N.Y. on one barrel and Monroe C. Smith in script on the other barrel (Monroe was Lyman's youngest brother). Gauge is 16x16 and rifle barrel is 38-50 Ballard. Serial number is only on receiver and is stamped 1. Barrels have been cut to 22 inches.
    It would be interesting to know when the 16 gauge was first introduced. The 38-50 Ballard came out in 1876, and by 1880, all L.C. Smith guns including the three barrel were opened inside the trigger guard, this one opens on the outside.
    I would date this gun to 1877.



    From looking at the engraving, I would say it is a Quality 2. Except for the cut barrels and the reworked pop-up rear sight, a very nice example.

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