June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
One of 76 20 gauge Eagle Grades produced, this scarce gun was completed in August 1920, and shipped on August 30th, 1924 to William Read & Sons, Boston, according to L. C. Smith letter. It has 28" barrels with concave, matted rib. Tops of barrels have factory markings, typical of the period. Barrel flats are stamped with serial number and grade. Sidelock action with non-automatic safety and double triggers, is engraved in typical "Eagle" style with unique to grade semi-relief vignettes of flying birds in a scroll background with pheasant on left, and mallard on right. Front portions of locks are stamped "L. C. Smith" in Old English script. Top lever pivot is engraved with semi-relief standing eagle. Trigger guard with scroll on bow, has serial number on tang. American walnut stock with dramatic feather crotch figure on left side, measures 14" over leather faced brown Old English pad. Point pattern checkering wraps over top of grip. Matching splinter ejector forend has inset ebony tip, and usual J-spring combined with knurled secondary release in guitar shaped escutcheon. Excellent condition, as completely and competently refinished. retaining nearly all professional high quality finishes on wood and metal, with only a few light subsequent handling marks. Oil finish on stock is a bit dry. Checkering is slightly worn, and somewhat filled with oil. Action is slightly loose with forend removed; tight and on face with forend installed. Bores are excellent, shiny throughout, with some exceptionally light striations at breech ends, and evidence of minor removed dent in left barrel. Mechanically excellent. Ejectors strong. A great handling small bore American classic.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L): .036" (R): .034"
Choke
(R): .018 (mod) (L): .023 (Imod)
Internal Bore Diameter
(R): .608 (L): .608
Length Of Pull
14" Nuetral cast.