Inspired by some information passed on to me by Drew Hause I may be able to examine the L. C. Smith gun in the Dickinson County Museum that is part of their Fred Gilbert display. My contact there sent a photo that I'm sharing here. The gun has been locked away for quite some time and getting safe access to it is posing challenges to the folks at the Museum (who have been very supportive and accommodating of my request).
I hope to have more news regarding the gun, but at this stage, it appears to be an early Pigeon gun (so, Ken Descovich, I'll let you know the serial number when they manage to get the gun from the case).
Stay tuned...