The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

20ga New in Box

Posted by Fred Lima on June 9, 2023, 9:44 pm

So I ran across a LC Smith 20ga made in 1947. It is "new in box" yes, the matching box! Case color are all of 98% not a mark on the stock. Blue looks new. My question is would this be worth the same as a Hunter Arms gun? Would one pay $2500 or more for a 1947 with the box? I have a 12 & 16...working down to a .410 someday but this one caught my eye. I may go to 3k.Crazy??? help me with my addiction!!!! Thanks

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by Chris Frantz on June 10, 2023, 11:00 am, in reply to "20ga New in Box"

Not sure they want us talking much about values on this board, so please delete if I'm breaking the rules...

As they say, a used gun is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, but $2500 seems like a pretty good price for what you describe. For reference, I have a 1947 20ga Field with ejectors and 28" barrels that is at least 98% (virtually new) all over but don't have a box for it. I paid about that for it back in 2017. Original boxes with original labels are not common and add considerable value, in my experience.

Hunter Arms guns are definitely more desirable than LC Smith Gun Co guns, but at that percentage condition, I'm not sure it makes that much of a difference. I don't think $3K is crazy but would be pretty much full retail. You didn't mention barrel length, but 30", or especially 32", would drive the price significantly higher, too, along with other options (One-Trigger, Beavertail forend, etc.)

Just my $0.02

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by Dan Wildhaber on June 10, 2023, 1:51 pm, in reply to "20ga New in Box"

My thoughts:
We only live once.
Some opportunities don't present themselves very often.
I have more regrets for the things that I didn't do.

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by fred lima on June 10, 2023, 10:49 pm, in reply to "Re: 20ga New in Box"

My intent was not for an "appraisal" but for sake of conversation. Per say the collectability of a mint LC Smith in the box vs a Hunter Arms gun. I have been a member for 3 years and certainly do not want to break any rules. It's a rare piece given it is in the box. I respect the rules and the feedback of our members. This is a hard one to let go but I'm not a millionaire either!

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by Timothy Cicora on June 15, 2023, 1:06 am, in reply to "20ga New in Box"

The only person that needs to be happy is you. I'm a shooter first . If it has all the features I like, I would go the 2.5k . When will you run across another one new in the box ? I would shoot it , and my family can worry about it being fired when I croak.If anyone is going to put shells though it, its going to be me.

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by Tom Garver on June 15, 2023, 12:21 pm, in reply to "Re: 20ga New in Box"

Fred, I think the big question is this going to be a shooter or a collector for you. My first take is if everything checks out that this really is an unfired, new in the original box, this gun will sell comfortably above $3,000. If you are ok with that I would contact Dr. Stubbendieck to confirm the serial #. Second, does the gun match the info on the box end cap. Third, can you physically inspect the gun to satisfy the claim of unfired. I may have previewed this gun and there isn't enough evidence there to satisfy the claims that the seller is posting. Just my $0.02

Unfired L.C. Smiths

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on June 16, 2023, 1:44 pm, in reply to "20ga New in Box"

Keep in mind that there are no "truly unfired" L.C. Smith shotguns. All were fired during proofing, and all, except some of the box locks, were patterned.

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by MarketHunter on June 16, 2023, 4:41 pm, in reply to "Re: 20ga New in Box"

I'll bet you a new in box 20 gauge Smith would push $10k in a well advertised auction.

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by Tom Garver on June 17, 2023, 8:51 am, in reply to "Re: 20ga New in Box"

A NIB 20 gauge, double triggers just sold at a PA auction this morning for $5,800. plus an 18% buyers premium and 6% sales tax. Serial number is S48800.

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by Tom Garver on June 17, 2023, 12:36 pm, in reply to "Re: 20ga New in Box"

Typo on the serial #- should be S48880

Re: 20ga New in Box

Posted by Fred Lima on June 21, 2023, 11:59 pm, in reply to "Re: 20ga New in Box"

Tom, good eye! That was the one I bid on. To rich for my blood! It was a beauty!!! I ended up with a Lefever Syracuse side lock & an AH Fox Sterlingworth Philly instead. Hope all the LC Smith guys here aren't too upset with me! lol But the Smith are where the heart is.

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