The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Chris Demars on January 6, 2023, 10:20 am

Looking for some direction. Have a few lc smiths(3), and one I bought recently has 2 of 3 matching numbers, less the fore arm which has the number 10 stamped on it. I’m sure it lowers the value, but as a Fultonian with three generations that worked at that plant in my lineage, I’m always willing to bring a gun back home. Can anyone tell me if that is a factory mistake or possible a later reproduction. It has two dates stamped. July 13, 86 and October 6, 86 or 88.

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Drew Hause on January 6, 2023, 2:47 pm, in reply to "Hunter arms 12g #47860"

Welcome Chris, and we'd very much like to hear more about your family history and Hunter Arms.

To clarify, the barrel flats and action flats carry the same SN, and the action flats have these patent dates?

The most likely explanation is that the FE was separated from the gun, and the current FE is a replacement.
It is possible that a Research Letter might document the FE replacement if done at Hunter Arms, but if so, the FE iron should have been marked with the original SN
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=43784&module_id=245742

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on January 6, 2023, 3:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860"

Unfortunately, Serial Number 47860 is within the 46000 to 49999 block of missing records. So, we have no record of this shotgun.

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Drew Hause on January 6, 2023, 5:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860"

Jim: the action flat apparently does not carry the earlier MAR 29 83' (pin & disc joint check) patent so it should be post-1902.
Would that make the DOM 1922 rather than post-1898?

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on January 7, 2023, 4:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860"

Drew:

Serial Number 47860 finished in 1922 is a Trap Grade with ejectors and 30-inch barrels. The 1949 SN 47860 is a Field Grade with 26-inch barrels. Both are 12 gauge shotguns.

That information should help to narrow down the date of manufacture.

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Drew Hause on January 7, 2023, 4:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860"

Thanks Jim, and many thanks for your stewardship of the shipping records!

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Chris Demars on January 7, 2023, 8:51 pm, in reply to "Hunter arms 12g #47860"

Is the date stamp just a patent date?

So I will offer a little family story that will cringe every member in here. My great grandfather was the last to work at the factory and was a wood scriber and a machinist. He Personally built his own .410 and had it for years until eventually trading it in to pay a bar tab in the late 70’s. The family never was able to trace its path. The city of Oswego were he lived had and has a lot of bars. My grandfather said that his fathers initials were on the inside of the forearm. FS or FES. Sooooo If anyone has a late year .410?

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Chris Demars on January 7, 2023, 9:09 pm, in reply to "Hunter arms 12g #47860"

Confirming that it’s 30” as well.

Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860

Posted by Drew Hause on January 8, 2023, 7:11 am, in reply to "Re: Hunter arms 12g #47860"

It's a No. 00 with the disc & pin joint check, and as Dr Jim said the SN falls within the missing records. The No. 00 was introduced in 1898 and that is likely the DOM.
The full SN should be stamped on the FE iron.
I don't believe any series started at 10; 1918 started at 101.

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