The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Aaron Paura on December 3, 2024, 7:52 am

Hello all, I am brand new to owning my first L.C Smith and trying to find some information about it. From the serial dating link posted on this site, my particular gun seems to be produced in 1901. But I could be wrong. It has 32" damascus barrels with full chokes, exposed hammers and double triggers. There's some evidence of case colour hardening at one point but almost all of the original finish is lost. Serial number is 85965F and has DMAR2383 stamped on the receiver as well. I would assume that's the patent date? Either way I'm just interested to know if anyone possibly has any knowledge about gun at all or the rarity of the shotgun because I can't seem to find much information on LC Smiths with the 32" damascus barrels.
Thank you all for your time and this amazing site.

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by David Williamson on December 3, 2024, 1:30 pm, in reply to "1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Aaron your gun was made in 1901 probably in February. If you look at the side plate it will have 3 pins showing, two would be screws for holding the bridle on and the other is an axle for the sear. The barrel lengths from the factory were 28", 30" and 32". Armor steel were on some guns and was the cheapest barrel offered, then there was Twist Steel and then Damascus which was the most expensive of the three but only $3.00 more at the time over the Twist Steel.
The pictures below will give you an example of the different locks used throug-out the years.

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by David Williamson on December 3, 2024, 1:37 pm, in reply to "1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Forgot to mention that date is a Patent date, not much importance to these guns.
Also there were some barrels that were fit to hammer guns that were not offered but if you ordered them Hunter Arms would make them for you. One is Chain Damascus and I happen to own one and in my records I only have 3 others listed for hammer guns and mine are 32"

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Aaron Paura on December 3, 2024, 2:28 pm, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Thank you for your response David. That information is very helpful. I will post some more pictures of the receiver and the damascus barrels

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Mark Britton on December 4, 2024, 7:54 pm, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Aaron Looks like you have a good looking honest Hammer gun. Enjoy shooting it (with proper loads) Hammer guns are fun to shoot! FYI David Williamson knows more about LC Smith Hammer guns than anyone alive ! And is the only man to have ever written a book on the subject!Just saying what he want.

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by David Williamson on December 5, 2024, 2:54 pm, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Thanks Mark. Merry Christmas to you and the family and prayers to the people and volunteers in western North Carolina.

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Tom Garver on December 6, 2024, 10:12 am, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"
Edited by board administrator December 6, 2024, 11:31 am

Aaron, here is a photo of 5 different damascus patterns from some of my hammer guns.
From the top - Chain damascus, Stub Twist, Bernard ribbon, 'Good' crolle damascus, 'Fine' crolle damascus.
Please note the damascus top rib on the fine damascus barrels. Tom

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Ken Descovich on December 6, 2024, 2:56 pm, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Tom,
Thems is pretty!

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Tom Garver on December 6, 2024, 3:37 pm, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Thanks, Ken. The chain damascus barrels are 28", 12 gauge from 1903 and that gun has been my go to for clays for about 2 years. The Bernard ribbon and stub twist are both 28" also and are 16 gauge that were built in 1897 and 1898. Very close to final restoration on those two. I'll post photos upon reassembly

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Aaron Paura on December 6, 2024, 7:52 pm, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"

Thank you to everyone for all your information and help!

Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed

Posted by Lloyd McKissick on December 20, 2024, 8:12 am, in reply to "Re: 1901? Hammer gun information needed"

It's been a busy Fall, so I'm late to the party here. Like Mr. Garver, I shoot my 1901 hammer on clays as well.

American guns are quite substantial when compared to their English counterparts.

Enjoy yours, there are not many good examples left.

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