Posted by Dave on June 23, 2009, 4:04 pm
68.38.10.179

My father in-law just passed away and left me a LC Smith field grade 12ga. double barrel s/s shotgun. #FWS1877 It seems to be in great condition and I would like to know where I can take this shotgun and get it appraised. I live in Hopewell, New Jersey 08534. Thanks for your help---Dave Queenan

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Posted by Bryan on June 23, 2009, 5:46 pm, in reply to "lc smith 12 ga. #FWS1877"
198.81.129.194

I would not take it to Cabela's. They gave me a real lowball quote on mine.

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Posted by Dom on June 23, 2009, 8:56 pm, in reply to "lc smith 12 ga. #FWS1877"
98.111.33.223

Dave, I have the same gun. My 12ga. field has 28"bbls. mod.and full raised rib full pistol grip,double triggers, non ejectors. Mfg. date 1946. The same date as your gun. Made by the L C Smith Gun Co. right after the Marlin takeover,in Fulton, N.Y. My gun is 100 percent original, in 95 percent condition,with original hanging tag. Three LC Smith collectors placed the value at 2250.00 low 2600.00 high. I hope this info will help you, however as many double gun collectors know values sometimes are based on any one individuals want for aparticular gun.

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Posted by kstt on June 24, 2009, 6:48 am, in reply to "lc smith 12 ga. #FWS1877"
144.81.85.9

Dave, with all the information available now online, I'd just browse and compare. Oodles of sites, such as Gunbrokers, and GunsAmerica, have countless Field grades that you can compare against, depending on specs, vintage, originality, and condition. I suspect that you won't be selling it anyway, so you're just looking for a ballpark value? I, too, live in Hopewell. Took my fifth gobbler with my L.C. Field this Spring!

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Posted by Dave Queenan on June 26, 2009, 9:23 pm, in reply to "Re: lc smith 12 ga. #FWS1877"
68.38.10.179

Thanks, I just wanted to know if there are any independent appraisers in my area. I would expect a low ball offer or appraisal from any gun shop---including Cabela's. Thanks again, Dave

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Posted by Dave Queenan on June 26, 2009, 9:34 pm, in reply to "Re: lc smith 12 ga. #FWS1877"
68.38.10.179

Dom, thank you for your response. I believe that my LC Smith is in at least 90% original shape but I do not understand the term 'original hanging tag.' Also when I was given this gun by my Father in-law it came with a green canvas and leather break down case that was pretty beat up but I believe it to be the original case for this shotgun. If you know of any reputable collectors in the central Jersey area that can give me a honest value on this shotgun please let me know. Thanks again, Dave

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Posted by Dave Queenan on June 26, 2009, 9:44 pm, in reply to "Re: lc smith 12 ga. #FWS1877"
68.38.10.179

Thanks kstt, I am looking for an independent appraiser in this area for an honest evaluation of this shotgun. I believe that it is in at least 90% original condition and she also came with a green canvas and leather break-down case that to be honest was in poor condition, but I believe that it was the original case for this shotgun. As for turkey hunting, I do all of mine up at my hunt camp in Sheshequin Pa. It is my favorite type of hunting by far. Thanks for your response, Dave

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Posted by dom on June 30, 2009, 3:32 pm, in reply to "Re: lc smith 12 ga. #FWS1877"
96.253.220.47

Dave, The Orig. Hanging tag was shipped with the gun from the factory.All parkers, LC Smiths, Foxes, etc. shipped their guns with these hanging tags. Your gun mfg. in 1946 was made by the LC Smith gun Co. division of Marlin, in Fulton, N.Y. The tag is yellow, and shows the grade, ser. #, gauge, bbl. length , weight, chokes, and proof info. To be sure your gun is 100% original I would send for a research letter this will give you the original specs. especialy the bbl. length so you will know if they have been cut. The LCSCA, or Cody firearms Museum can provide you with a research letter . This is the first thing I do when purchasing a vintage double. Then the overall condition can be established by the percentage of bluing, case colors wood finish etc. I would not recomend you use this gun for turkey hunting, eventhough the Smith sidelock is superior in strength to the Parkers or foxes boxlocks, heavy loads for turkey will crack the butstock right behind the side plates This is the one downfall of all the sweet Elsies. I would stay around 3 dram equivelant if possible not to exceed 8500 psi. I hope I have been a help, Please let me know how you make out Dom

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