The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Hammer gun information

Posted by Taylor Ramsey on October 1, 2024, 6:31 pm
Edited by board administrator October 1, 2024, 6:44 pm

My father passed away recently. I inherited a LC Smith double barrel rabbit ear. The serial number is H15049 could anyone tell me anything about this at all? I'm a 33 year old female with absolutely no knowledge of it.

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by Drew Hause on October 1, 2024, 6:54 pm, in reply to "Hammer gun information"

Welcome Taylor. It is a comfort to have something that no doubt gave your father hours of joy afield.
Unfortunately, that serial number is not part of the existing Hunter Arms records, but should be from about 1918 which is when the lowest grade hammer gun designation changed from 'F' to 'H'.

There is quite a lot of information on the LCSCA Home Page, esp. under 'Shotguns' and the FAQs
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/

The Hunter Arms Co. did not mark the gauge (bore size) on the receiver or barrels of Smith guns.
Rotate the top lever to the right, open the gun and measure across the chamber. DO NOT include the recess for the rim of the shotshell.
12 gauge is 0.810" or about 20.6 mm
16 gauge is 0.745" or about 19.0 mm
20 gauge is 0.698" or about 17.7 mm

The gun is likely due for a good check and clean by a double gun smith. In what part of the country are you?

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by Taylor Ramsey on October 1, 2024, 9:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Hammer gun information"

Down here in Texas lol, my dad just passed away about 3 weeks ago it looks as if he had just cleaned it or oiled it, if that's what it is lol I'm sorry I'm ignorant on these types of things so if my wording is wrong then I apologize in advance. It's a beautiful almost redish brown walnut color with checkered engraving on it but not the textured kind that you can feel it's smooth like an epoxy, idk if that matters or not, it's in perfect condition, I guess I'm just honestly wondering what the value of a family heirloom that dates back that far would be! Thank you for answering me!

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by Tom Garver on October 2, 2024, 7:49 am, in reply to "Re: Hammer gun information"

Taylor, to add to Dr. Drew's comments, not only did the "F" to "H" designation change in 1918, in 1919 all grades and gauges were lumped together. I think your gun was made in 1919 in Fulton, NY. A research letter request to Dr. Stubbendieck will give you all of the information available. A value can only be determined after grade, gauge, condition, etc is confirmed. Keep us updated as I'm a bit of a hammer gun nut. Thanks, Tom

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by David Williamson on October 2, 2024, 8:10 am, in reply to "Hammer gun information"

Taylor, sorry to hear of your father's passing. Your gun is from 1919 and would be an F grade hammer gun (rabbit ears) 12 gauge. These hammer guns were only sold through sporting good stores, hardware stores and likes. It would have Royal Steel barrels, not Damascus, and you had mentioned in very nice condition. Many of us here still shoot hammer guns using light loads, under 8,000 psi (pounds per square inch) and velocities under 1200 fps (feet per second).
As stated value is hard to determine without having gun in hand. This would be a nice gun to hand down to the next generation as these guns are getting harder to find in decent condition.
Good luck and if you need any other questions answered please feel free to inquire.

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by Drew Hause on October 2, 2024, 6:24 pm, in reply to "Hammer gun information"

Good news Taylor. Dr Jim DID find the gun in the Hunter Arms records, which include the hardware store to which it was shipped.
It would be neat to have a Research Letter
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=43784&module_id=245742

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by Mark Britton on October 2, 2024, 8:55 pm, in reply to "Hammer gun information"

Taylor: Sorry to hear about your dad. I have two Smith Hammer guns like yours .That are good to look at and more fun to shoot! I can't comment on the value of your gun not seeing it but I paid $600 and $1000 for the ones I have. Hammer guns are fun to shoot and I hope that you enjoy the one you now have.

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by Taylor Ramsey on October 20, 2024, 5:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Hammer gun information"

I have just put in for my research letter YAY! Excited to see what it tells!

Re: Hammer gun information

Posted by Taylor Ramsey on October 21, 2024, 12:36 pm, in reply to "Hammer gun information"

« Back to index

455

[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]