The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 19, 2021, 7:15 pm

Hello, for many years I have thought about an inherited gun my grandfather passed on to me 30-35 years ago. It wasn't until I was talking to a friend that also owns an LC Smith that I was made aware of this website. My Grandfather was from New York and served in the Navy in the early to mid 40's I believe. When I noticed the military markings it always made me wonder the history of this gun. I never had much luck finding it when I searched briefly years ago. He left me this and a 20 gauge and I have done nothing but store them since they were given to me. Any information is helpful.
Trying to upload a photo. Hope it works

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Drew Hause on October 19, 2021, 7:33 pm, in reply to "LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

What a treasure Brian.
There is some information regarding the Military Purchase guns in the 'History' section of the FAQs
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

and this, which documents your SN

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 20, 2021, 8:00 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

Drew thank you so much for the link. It's my understanding after reading that the wild fowl marking possibly makes this one a more rare piece. I believe I am going to send off for a research letter on it and the 20 gauge just to see what I can find. So glad I found this page.

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 20, 2021, 8:11 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

Drew, being new to the board I dont want to do anything wrong, but is the only way to get information on the 20 gauge is by sending in for a research letter?
Its in better condition than the 12 gauge and stamped field grade 2-3/4" chamber under the serial number 30638

20g 2 3/4" mark

Posted by Drew Hause on October 20, 2021, 8:45 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

Interesting also Brian. The gun dates to the early 20s, prior to Hunter Arms lengthening 20g chambers from 2 1/2", and the 2 3/4" mark suggests it may have been ordered as a small gauge waterfowl gun.
Does the mark look like this?

A research letter should provide significant information, and possibly who placed the original order
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=43784&module_id=245742

Re: 20g 2 3/4" mark

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 20, 2021, 9:05 am, in reply to "20g 2 3/4" mark"

Re: 20g 2 3/4" mark

Posted by Drew Hause on October 20, 2021, 9:28 am, in reply to "Re: 20g 2 3/4" mark"

More interesting. There is no Marlin era 'S' before the SN, but that is the Marlin chamber mark.
Is the top of the L barrel marked Hunter Arms Co.? The R marked Field in script?

Re: 20g 2 3/4" mark

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 20, 2021, 11:22 am, in reply to "Re: 20g 2 3/4" mark"

This is on top of the barrel.

Marlin era

Posted by Drew Hause on October 20, 2021, 2:15 pm, in reply to "Re: 20g 2 3/4" mark"

It's a Marlin era gun made in 1947 Brian. A Research Letter would likely document to where it was originally shipped.

Re: Marlin era

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 20, 2021, 3:24 pm, in reply to "Marlin era"

Appreciate your help as always Drew!
Thank you.

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 20, 2021, 3:31 pm, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

On thing I forgot to mention of the 12g is that the forearm serial # doesn't match unfortunately. See the pic.

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Drew Hause on October 20, 2021, 4:21 pm, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

Even more interesting. 1925 Premier E FE iron, not matched to the gun and (poorly & with epoxy) fit to a BTFE??
It has been suggested that the recruits were somewhat casual matching barrels & FEs to actions after mass cleaning.
Please let us know what the Research Letter discloses!

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Denver Dillard on October 20, 2021, 6:47 pm, in reply to "LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

Everyone please note that the barrel flat picture and the PE forend show this to be an ejector gun. Extremely rare and the letter should show whether it is the only one in this configuration.

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Richard Ranney on October 20, 2021, 8:15 pm, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

What a great inheritance. Since I’ve been doing a restoration on a 1906 Hammer Gun, I’ve really got the LC Smith gun. Frankly I’m a WWI and II collector but these shotguns are beautiful and I love the history. I’m now on the lookout to own one.

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 21, 2021, 9:18 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

I do have to say that the condition of the forearm is some what not in the best shape when I look at it. I just figured the age and abuse that it took if in fact it was used in training was the cause. I had know idea about this gun, but always wondered. My grandfather died while I was young, but I do know he loved guns. Unfortunately he liked to trade them when started drinking. My Mother has passed and she was the only child so my knowledge of his past when he was in New York and the military is limited to just what stories my siblings and I remember. I will definitely send off the letter in hopes of finding out what it comes back with.

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Brian Forrester on October 21, 2021, 9:20 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

I have just shown bits and pieces of the gun, I will try to get a more complete picture and post it. I wish it was in fact in better condition knowing what I know now, but I still find it intriguing.

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Brian Forrester on November 3, 2021, 5:54 pm, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"
Edited by board administrator November 3, 2021, 6:22 pm

Well I received my letter back. Instead of typing it all out is it ok to post a screen shot of the letter on here?

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Drew Hause on November 3, 2021, 6:38 pm, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

We would very much like to see the letter Brian.
You might crop the image to only include Dr. Jim's narrative, or send it to me as a full size jpg attachment and I'll crop and post it
revdoc2@cox.net

Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?

Posted by Ken Descovich on November 10, 2021, 8:19 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Wild Fowl Military RLB stamped?"

Brian your gun has ejectors, in haste maybe the records were not completely accurate as Japan bombed Hawaii on December 7th. I own serial number 198013 and it was started October 8th 1941 and finished on Febuary 5th 1942, mine is also marked Wildfowl on the barrel lug and was not recorded as such. Mine was also part of order no. 52269. I feel these are quite rare and historical. Congratulations and even better that it has been passed down to you from your grandfather.

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