The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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My Mystery Ellsie

Posted by Wade Copeland on August 12, 2023, 9:23 pm
Edited by board administrator August 13, 2023, 9:30 am

I recently posted about a 16 gauge field grade that I purchased ( from an estate in an unlit attic ). I initially thought it to be a " field special " but upon picking it up today I'm really confused. The serial number is 217863 ( 1914 ? ) and is stamped on the water table with no pre or suffix and is the only stamp there (its an FW, 3 screw frame ), its also stamped on the FE iron with an E suffix which is a roller type with an ebony tip, and the 30" armor barrel flat which also has an E suffix and no other stamping. The most confusing thing to me is while the barrels have the usual L.C Smith / Hunter arms, Fulton stamps the side plates have NO " L.C Smith " stampings, they are completely plain. The gun is completely original and in a pretty high state of preservation, no stock cracks or barrel dents and significant retained case color and bluing. I will post pics as soon as possible and will send for a factory letter soonest, thanks for any info and god bless.

Re: my mystery Ellsie

Posted by David Williamson on August 13, 2023, 9:00 am, in reply to "my mystery Ellsie"

Wade pictures will definitely help identifying your gun. Field Grade for-ends never had an ebony tip, and only had the roller release if an ejector gun.

Re: my mystery Ellsie

Posted by Drew Hause on August 13, 2023, 9:29 am, in reply to "my mystery Ellsie"

Please let us know what the Research Letter discloses

Previous thread
https://members.boardhost.com/lcsmith/msg/1690077956.html

Barrel marks were a bit inconsistent during the "New Designs" changes in 1913.
As David said, you likely have a replacement FE.

Re: my mystery Ellsie

Posted by Wade Copeland on August 13, 2023, 10:16 am, in reply to "Re: my mystery Ellsie"

Thank you all, The gun is an ejector, I will try to post photos this evening.

Re: my mystery Ellsie

Posted by Wade Copeland on August 13, 2023, 4:14 pm, in reply to "Re: my mystery Ellsie"

Please let me know if more or different photos are needed, any information or opinions are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,

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Re: My Mystery Ellsie

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on August 13, 2023, 9:27 pm, in reply to "My Mystery Ellsie"

Wade:

Occasionally, the lock plates escaped the "L.C. Smith" roll mark at the factory. It is uncommon, but I know of at least eight others that were not marked, and most of them date to about the same time that SN 217864 was manufactured.

We have a solid record in the Hunter Arms Company shipping ledger for your 16 gauge Field Grade. I hope that I have the opportunity to write a research letter for your shotgun..

Jim Stubbendieck

Re: My Mystery Ellsie

Posted by Wade Copeland on August 13, 2023, 10:01 pm, in reply to "Re: My Mystery Ellsie"

Thank you for the response, I intend to submit a letter request soon, Im sure it was a typo but my guns serial # ends in 863 not 864 as you quoted.

Wade Copeland

Re: My Mystery Ellsie

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on August 15, 2023, 2:12 pm, in reply to "Re: My Mystery Ellsie"

My error. The Serial number should have been 217863.

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