Hi, everyone, just joined the club because I acquired an L.C. Smith 12-gauge field grade in a trade, and I am trying to nail down the manufacturing year. Based on my research of the serial number and markings using the listings on the site, I believe this to be either a 1919 model or a 1947 model. If I understand correctly, serial numbers from 1946-1950 started with the prefix FWS, which leads me to believe it is the 1919 model. But it has an R prefix, which I don’t see listed anywhere, so that is throwing me off.

The serial number is: R9014

I would appreciate any thoughts or input ya’ll might have.
Thanks!

A prefix "FW" would denote Hunters "featherweight" frame size, and the "S" prefix denote a manufacture date during the Marlin ear (1945-1950), but your gun as a "R" prefix denoting that your gun was built on the standard size frame; and since Marlin never used the "R" frame during their ownership, yours is an early gun shipping in the year 1919. As to the pics, it appears very little original finishes remain; and also that the comb has been spliced and a Monte Carlo comb added; which alteration would not be a factory job. I suggest you follow the links and order a research letter, which letter would provide you with all details for your serial number that are contained in the original Hunter Arms records.

Thanks Tom!

No problem Lloyd, understanding how to ID the four different productions periods, the re-use of some serial numbers from one production period to another; and serial number prefix and suffix stamps can be very confusing to a novice. I/We are still unsure of the actual meaning of one suffix stamp, although we think we have it figured out for the most part. It's all part of the fun in collecting.

Mr. Lloyd

I suggest that you order a research letter for Serial Number R9014.

https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=43784&module_id=245742

It was shipped to an individual rather than a hardware store which was relatively uncommon. I think that it would be nice to know the names of the original owners of my L.C. Smiths.

Really! Wow, that's incredible. Yes, I think I will go order a research letter. Thanks!