GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
ONE OF A KIND 20 GAUGE L.C. SMITH "EAGLE" GRADE SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL 25 INCH BARRELS WITH FACTORY LETTER. L.C. SMITH SXS EAGLE FWE73916 20GA MODERN; C&R (1924-1925) Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 25" Bbls with matted game rib, are marked "L. C. SMITH Eagle GRADE" and "HUNTER ARMS CO INC. M'F'R'S FULTON, N.Y. U.S.A." Bbl flats are stamped with SN, Hunter proofs, and chamber length (2-3/4). Bottom of bbl is stamped with steel type. Typical L. C. Smith standard weight action with non-automatic safety and Hunter One trigger, is engraved with sprays of scroll and areas of stippling on bottom, fences, and on top. A standing eagle is relief engraved on top lever. Lockplates are engraved with large scroll surrounding semi-relief engraving of flying birds; pheasant on left and duck on right. This unusual treatment is unique to the "Eagle" grade. "L. C. Smith" is stamped in old English script on each lockplate. Trigger guard has scroll on bow and SN on tang. Lightly fiddle figured American walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-7/8" over ribbed hard rubber buttplate. Point pattern checkering has line borders. Matching splinter ejector forend with contrasting wood tip has J-spring and knurled roll release in guitar shaped escutcheon. Bore diameter: left -.614, right - .614. Bore restrictions: left - .015 (mod), right - .007 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .040, right - .039. Drop at heel: 2-7/8", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Cast: Neutral. Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 13-7/8". PROVENANCE: Cody Firearms letter with specifications confirming 25" bbls. L. C. Smith Collectors Association notes that this is the only 25" barreled Eagle grade 20 ga. made. Ex-The L.C. Smith Collection of Gerald Basham. CONDITION: Very good to fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain approx 60% orig blue with considerable hand wear around forend. Action and lockplates retain traces of orig color, but are mostly a pleasing bright silver. Trigger guard has traces of blue. Stocks retain nearly all of an oil refinish, checkering re-cut. Bores are very fine, lightly frosted. Action is tight with forend installed. Ejectors are in time. Mechanics are fine. All visible numbers matching. Forearm assembly very tight to remove from barrels when dismounted. Houchins in L.C. SMITH; THE LEGEND LIVES, relates that 111 Eagle grades were made in 20 gauge. 51618-1 mgm70 (6,000-10,000)