I want to get a more accurate dating or further info on my wife's LC Smith if possible. I need to determine the level of historical value through dating as it has been in her family forever, and they were the town blacksmiths in Los Gatos, CA in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
I would like to get feedback here in case there is anything we may be able to ask my wife while she is still alive (she has a serious brain infection) so I can help preserve and document this historical firearm.
The gun matches every detail of the closeup picture for the No. 0 shown at http://www.lcsmith.org/shotguns/pre1913grades.html except for one small detail: the edge of the metal to the right of the right-most section of the lock plate is a couple mm closer than in the picture. This leads me to believe it is NOT a 1927.
Excuse me as I know little about guns, but I'm willing to contribute info about it as well as get input on it.
Double-barrel hammerless (double trigger) Barrel length measures 30 inches Gauge: Wife previously told me it was a 12 ga Serial: 97133 Quality: under the serial number, it shows an O (both are shown on what I believe is called the receiver as well as the flat part under the barrels when the gun is opened to insert ammo) Patents: The patents shown on the receiver i believe it is called are mar 29, '83, july 13, '86, oct 5, '86
My intention also, if appropriate for this gun, is to eventually get the gun checked out and learn how to properly shoot it. It feels very solid with nothing loose.
Keeping in mind I have limited knowledge of ammo, let me know what ammo would be best for this, and what ammo to avoid.