First, I've tried to use the serial number date of manufacture reference and just ended up confused. Forgive me if I'm just being dense.
I have an inherited shotgun.
It is a 12g, side by side. The hammers are not exposed. L.C. Smith is engraved on each side of the receiver. Hunter Arms Co, Fulton NY stamped on the top of the barrels. They are 30" long. Each barrel is stamped with a CrownSteel trademark on the underside. Serial numbers all match. #957xx. There appears to be a quail engraved on the left side of the receiver, and appears to be a woodcock engraved on the right. There are 3 patent dates stamped. Mar 29, 83, July 13, 86, and Oct 5, 86.
Family lore is that it belonged to a great great uncle. He died Feb 20, 1914. His initials are on the leather case that the gun resides in. His initials are unique in that side of the genealogy so I have a bit of confidence on that front. The lore also comes from my grandfather. The gun would have belonged to his uncle.
All I'm really after is the year of manufacture at this point so I can include that in the family genealogy data. Any help from you folks would be appreciated. I'm sure I've left out some information you need. Just let me know.