The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Information on handed down L.C. Smith

Posted by Mike Keogh on June 12, 2019, 9:41 pm

I inherited an L.C. Smith 12 gage side by side with 30-inch barrels from my father. I was told my Great Grand Father had it specially made for his son (my Grand Father). I took it to a local gun smith, who suggested I write to you. It’s stamped: “PAT D MAR 29, 83; JULY 13, 86; OCT.5, 86” with the serial number is “3206”. Under the barrel in the middle strip it’s stamped “5 E”, “3206” and stamped NITRO trademarks on each barrel. On top between the barrels it stamped: MADE TO ORDER BY THE HUNTER ARMS CO, FULTON N.Y. It has two hunting dogs on both sides with a lot of engraving throughout the gun. It has been kept in its original leather case since my father took my brother and I pheasant hunting back in the mid-1960s, we all shot it. It's in great shape and I would like to know more. Like what year was it made? What does the “5 E” mean? Is it in your records?

Re: Information on handed down L.C. Smith

Posted by Tom Archer on June 12, 2019, 10:25 pm, in reply to "Information on handed down L.C. Smith"

The mark 5E denotes your gun as a Grade 5 with the factory auto-ejector option. This is one of Hunters high grade guns and retailed in the $200 range back in 1899-1900 when it would have been manufactured. This gun has fluid steel barrels and should be very shootable with period correct loads; but after being hidden in a leather case for nearly 60 years it most likely needs a thorough inspection and cleaning. You have been given a very nice and high quality gun to enjoy so treat it with the proper care and respect it deserves; as they certainly don't make these things anymore!

Re: Information on handed down L.C. Smith

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on June 13, 2019, 9:48 am, in reply to "Re: Information on handed down L.C. Smith"

We have the manufacturing record for this shotgun including grade, gauge, barrel length and steel, options, stock dimensions, gun weight, when it was ordered, when it was shipped, and where it was shipped (to a distributor).

I suggest that you order a research letter.

Re: Information on handed down L.C. Smith

Posted by Mike Keogh on June 13, 2019, 11:24 am, in reply to "Re: Information on handed down L.C. Smith"

I thank both of you for your knowledgeable responses.

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