The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

First L. C. Smith

Posted by Craig Evans on June 8, 2025, 9:31 pm

I just started collecting old SxS this year as a retirement gift to myself. Knowing very little about them, except that they were American made (Check box), and I would probably never own a really nice one, I jumped on a relatively rough one I found at a flea market for $200 over the weekend. It has 30" Damascus barrels with no markings on the top or bottom rails (not sure of correct term, apologies for ignorance). Under the barrels that meets the receiver is the serial number 17,*** with a capital letter F under the s/n. Under the forearm and the blade behind the trigger guard that holds the stock both have numbers matching the barrels. I had to clean quite a bit of dust, dirt and even some paint that had been scattered on the barrel and forearm at some point. It still has some pitting over the entire gun but I love it! The wood has some dings and scratches but no cracks with the original butt plate (both the stock and forearm had some beautiful checkering that is very worn but still lightly visible). Even though the barrels have some pitting inside and out the Damascus stripes shine and make me smile. The exposed triggers...enough said. All that sharing to ask if anyone would have any idea about when this gun was born? I think it's an early model (late 1800s-early 1900s) but would like to narrow that windows if possible. I have read that some earlier records have been lost to time but was hoping there's someone out here that can spread some light. Last thing, not for sale...it's my first. Thanks in advance everyone.

Re: First L. C. Smith

Posted by Dan Wildhaber on June 9, 2025, 1:18 am, in reply to "First L. C. Smith "

Hi Craig
Welcome to a hobby which has given many of us a lot of enjoyment.
Cleaning up a neglected gun can be very rewarding but be sure to use proper techniques to avoid any damage to your new find.
0000 steel wool and automatic transmission fluid is a good safe bet to clean off old gunk and light surface rust.
Stay off the wood, avoid getting any oil on the wood.
Depending on how comfortable you are disassembling and reassembling mechanical objects, use your own judgment.
Sometimes complete disassembly is required but exercise caution, the project can quickly become more involved than originally bargained for.

Those 'rails' are referred to as top and bottom ribs.

Re: First L. C. Smith

Posted by David Williamson on June 9, 2025, 5:32 am, in reply to "Re: First L. C. Smith "

Craig, you are "bitten" now in the world of double guns, welcome.
You only shared two numbers of your old hammer gun, but enough to tell me it is from 1886-87 and is a Syracuse L.C. Smith. These guns were made very well and many of us still shoot them once they have been looked at by a reputable gunsmith that knows of these guns.
Good luck in your collecting and I think you did very well for your first one.

Re: First L. C. Smith

Posted by Drew Hause on June 9, 2025, 9:11 am, in reply to "First L. C. Smith "

Welcome Craig. Please spend some time looking through the FAQs
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

If you'll let us know your general location, we might be able to recommend a qualified smith to evaluate your gun.

Thanks guys!

Posted by Craig Evans on June 9, 2025, 11:51 am, in reply to "First L. C. Smith "

Wow, what a welcome! Thank you Dan W. for the suggestions,being new I'll take all the help I can get. I have a general knowledge with disassembly/reassemble of some modern firearms but zero knowledge of dealing with restoration/preservation of artwork (no joke intended). If anyone can point me to good educational on-line courses or videos on the subject, thank you in advance. Thank you David W.for narrowing the birth "window" to 2 years, big help! And thank you Drew H. for the welcome. I did look through some of the FAQs, that gave me the comfort to ask the question, you all seem like very decent people. I live in Champaign County, Ohio which is basically West-Central Ohio. I think I would like to have it looked at by a pro, I gave so little for it I'm willing to put some cash toward preservation. If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated. Thanks again fellas, have a great day.

Gunsmith

Posted by Drew Hause on June 9, 2025, 12:02 pm, in reply to "Thanks guys!"

You are not far from Jerry Andrews in Moundsville, West Va.
304-843-1740

Re: Gunsmith

Posted by Les Riehl on June 10, 2025, 9:58 am, in reply to "Gunsmith"

You are only a couple counties away from Matthew Begley of Black Diamond Gun Works. Matthew is located near Maria Stein just south of Grand Lake St. Mary's on SR 119. Don't have the address but his phone is 937-668-3850. He is a professionally trained gunsmith and a member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild. Not cheap but first class all the way. He specializes in vintage American SxS shotguns.

Re: Gunsmith

Posted by Chris Frantz on June 10, 2025, 1:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Gunsmith"

Another vote in support of Matthew Begley in Ohio - he's exceptional with anything a double might need done to it. Only issue might be that he's very in demand and has an awfully long wait time, if he's taking new work at all. Jerry Andrews, as already mentioned, is also top shelf. Both have worked on Smiths for me - you definitely wouldn't be disappointed with either of them.

Re: Thanks guys!

Posted by Carl Erickson on June 10, 2025, 6:34 pm, in reply to "Thanks guys!"

You have purchased a great shotgun. I have several guns of that vintage that I shoot on a regular basis
The suggestion you have been given to take it to a good gunsmith is very important. I also suggest that you read the complete LC Smith Forum. There is much good knowledge there. You might also want to attend an LC Smith shoot. They are a lot of fun!
What gage is your gun

Re: First L. C. Smith

Posted by Brian Sloan on June 11, 2025, 11:48 am, in reply to "First L. C. Smith "

Welcome to the hunt Mr Craig! LC Smith is a great gun with many many different nuisances that catches a collectors eye. I always enjoy hearing about finding a Smith. I'm not the museum quality gun kind of guy. I like the ones that has been used! I feel like the more it was used the more the man liked it. Or lady... Anyway, congrats on finding the gun and our family.

Syracuse or Fulton?

Posted by Jim Stubbendieck on June 11, 2025, 3:57 pm, in reply to "Re: First L. C. Smith "

If your shotgun is not marked "Syracuse" on the barrels, it could be a 1920 Field Grade.

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[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]