The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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Very Interesting Grade 5 I'd Like to Buy

Posted by Roger Dagen on June 16, 2022, 7:44 am

Looking for your thoughts... I am looking hard at a Grade 5e, (SN 3725 Mfd 1899), 12 ga. Seller believes it bears original finishes. My question is about barrel markings... Barrel flats only show the serial # and are engine turned. Did grade 5's not have any grade indicator stamped onto the barrel flats? Same with water table..only visible markings are serial # and patent dates. Sideplates bear setters and pointers in ovals and in all respects match images of grade 5 engraving I have seen.

Re: Very Interesting Grade 5 I'd Like to Buy

Posted by Tom Archer on June 16, 2022, 9:48 am, in reply to "Very Interesting Grade 5 I'd Like to Buy"

Well yes, they typically are stamped; but there are exceptions. For instance, I recently examined a 1904 vintage Monogram Grade that was not marked with a grade stamp anywhere, but it was engraved and stocked to Monogram Grade standards; and most importantly, was recorded as a Monogram Grade in the original shipping records. I'd suggest you order a research letter if you haven't already done so and go from there. As to the barrels, the flats are supposed to be jeweled; and I've also seen the grade stamp on the forend hanger lug. I'd be more concerned about barrel steel ID marks, which should be Nitro Steel on an 1899 vintage gun. Typically, barrels with no steel type markings on Smith guns are Damascus.

Re: Very Interesting Grade 5 I'd Like to Buy

Posted by Roger Dagen on June 16, 2022, 10:20 am, in reply to "Re: Very Interesting Grade 5 I'd Like to Buy"

Thanks Tom. Seller confirms that barrels are nitro steel. I am waiting to hear from seller if he already has a letter either from Cody or LCSCA. If not, I will certainly order one from Jim as I have for my other 2 elsies. If Jim is watching, maybe he could confirm that SN 3725 shipped as Grade 5, 30" bbls, ejectors, regular frame, straight grip, splinter forend, 2/ 3/4" F&F?

Record for Serial Number 3725

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on June 16, 2022, 1:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Very Interesting Grade 5 I'd Like to Buy"
Edited by board administrator June 16, 2022, 1:38 pm

Serial Number 3725 was recorded as a 12 gauge No. 5 with 30-inch Nitro Steel barrels, automatic ejectors and a splinter forend.

We also have the stock dimensions, weight, manufacturing and shipping dates and the name of the individual ordering the shotgun.

Trigger type was not recorded, and stock type was never recorded in the Hunter Arms Company ledgers.

Re: Record for Serial Number 3725

Posted by Roger Dagen on June 17, 2022, 6:38 am, in reply to "Record for Serial Number 3725"

Thanks, Jim. I have purchased this shotgun from seller and should receive it in 10 days. I will order a LCSCA letter as soon as I receive the gun in good order.

Serial Number 3725

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on June 17, 2022, 9:38 am, in reply to "Re: Record for Serial Number 3725"

The seller is a life member of the LCSCA and he called me about the shotgun's record a day or two before he listed it for sale. He is a well-known dealer with an excellent reputation. We had a long discussion and he thinks that it is a great shotgun.

Re: Serial Number 3725

Posted by Roger Dagen on June 17, 2022, 9:47 am, in reply to "Serial Number 3725"

Jim: Thanks so much for that background info! It gives me comfort to know that I've made a well informed decision.

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