The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ Message Archive | The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

    Re: identifying my LC Smith Archived Message

    Posted by Norm on November 22, 2014, 6:43 pm, in reply to "Re: identifying my LC Smith"

    Made in 1920, per serial number list elsewhere on this site. Following info is from the Grades section on the main site map:

    Field (1912-1950)

    Field Grade
    Field Grade production began in 1912, and it was the lowest grade available. The 1913 catalog said: "This gun is especially designed for those requiring a cheap, sound and plainly finished weapon. It is particularly useful for field and marsh where rough usage is required. The shooting powers of this gun can be relied upon to be fully equal to those of the higher grades. Featherweights are made in twelve-gauges as light as six and one-quarter pounds." Field Grade production totaled 199,384 accounting for 82% of the total production of L.C. Smith side lock shotguns during the period of 1912 to 1950. The price in 1913 was $25. A Hunter-One Trigger brought the price up to $45. A gun with ejectors sold for $35, and one with ejectors and the Hunter One-Trigger retailed for $55. It was available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge and later in .410. The barrels were Armor Steel in lengths of 26, 28, 30, and 32 inches. Chokes were bored from cylinder to full to meet the customer's order. Stocks were American walnut in full pistol, half pistol, or straight grips. L.C. SMITH was stamped on the lock plates, and there was no engraving. The right barrel was usually roll-stamped L.C SMITH FIELD GRADE and the left barrel was marked THE HUNTER ARMS CO. FULTON, N.Y. The 1939 catalog announced a new, improved Field Grade with an improved cocking mechanism, extra strength in the stock, and a reshaped forend. A Field Special was listed for $48. It was the new, improved Field Grade with ivory sights and a recoil pad. The 1945 price of the regular Field Grade was $65. Production data by gauge are available for only the complete production period of Field Grade shotguns from 1912 to 1950. Those production figures are 18 10-gauge, 127,255 12-gauge, 38,678 16-gauge, 30,924 20-gauge, and 2,509 .410 shotguns.


    Message Thread: