Posted by Northern Bob on January 10, 2015, 3:52 pm
I have a few questions for the experts on 3 L.C. Smiths I just bought. All are 12 gauge. I only had a few very poor cell phone photos to go by, but the price was reasonable and I hadn't bought anything for a while so I went ahead without asking the usual questions. One turned out to be #346820, a 1914 straight grip Field grade with 32" barrels. The stock looks original including the stamp under the trigger guard, but the wood looks like it belongs on a bit higher grade. It looks like nicely striped English walnut to me. Someone added a 1" Decelerator pad to it though. It has the Curtis forend release. My question on this one is it unusual enough to be a special order? Do letters on Field grades show much info? The 1902 Grade 2 is #114934, also with 32" barrels. Used but original. The top 1/2" of the butt plate is broken off. Are there any companies selling quality replacements? The last is a 1905 3E with 30" barrels. In good shape, but someone added a 1/2" Jostam pad to it. 13 1/2" to the end of the wood, so possibly cut? The mid bead is broken off. Is there a good fitting replacement for these? I would appreciate any comments, Thank you.