The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

1908 20 ga.

Posted by Rick Nedescu on February 10, 2024, 5:49 pm
Edited by board administrator February 10, 2024, 6:27 pm

This one came to me today, the owner asked me if I could sell it for him. It is a 20 gauge, I believe it dates to about 1908. Metal is an excellent condition, as is bore. Looks like butt stock may have been refinished, and the forend repaired. It is nicely engraved, but I don't understand why the ovals were left without images in them. Not sure if this was a factory engraving or done by someone else. I would love to have some opinions on this one as far as the engraving.

Re: 1908 20 ga.

Posted by Drew Hause on February 11, 2024, 5:38 am, in reply to "1908 20 ga."

None of the engraving on the barrels, action or locks is factory Rick, and the flower motif (Chrysanthemum?) suggests the work may have been done in Japan.
The ebony FE tip has been replaced and repair done on the L lower finger at the head of the stock.
A 20g No. 0 has value (and 2 1/2" chambers) but IMHO the engraving ads nothing.

Re: 1908 20 ga.

Posted by Rick Nedescu on February 11, 2024, 9:45 am, in reply to "Re: 1908 20 ga."

Do you have any opinions on the value as it is? I'm not sure if this is something I should pick up or not or what trade value to give him.

Re: 1908 20 ga.

Posted by Tom Garver on February 11, 2024, 2:34 pm, in reply to "Re: 1908 20 ga."

Rick, I think value is in the eyes of the beholder here. The"O" was the second lowest grade produced by Hunter Arms and had no engraving at all. Even on high original condition they aren't on a collectors list and typically sell for $300.-$500 with maybe a bit more consideration since this is a 20 gauge. I did see another enhanced engraved "O" sell at auction recently for about $1500.00

O grade L C Smith SXS with custom engraving

Posted by Jent P Mitchell III on February 13, 2024, 1:33 pm, in reply to "Re: 1908 20 ga."

Sadly the butt stock is junk, complete junk ..... as you thought the butt stock is not an original L C Smith butt stock and is not even a correct replacement L C Smith butt stock ..... to have a correct butt stock, correct wood, made for this upgraded L C Smith would be very very expensive, about $3000.00 most likely just for the wood work and checkering and wood finish ..... posted by Jent.

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