GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE L. C. SMITH PREMIER GRADE WITH RELIEF GOLD INLAYS AND ALL OPTIONS. L. C. SMITH SXS RE126002 12 Ga MODERN; IVORY Cal. 12 GA 32” Bbls fitted with raised, flat, matted, ventilated rib have rib extension engraved “L. C. SMITH Premier GRADE” within scroll and geometric border. Tops of bbls are engraved “Sir Joseph Whitworth FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL” and “MADE TO ORDER BY THE Hunter Arms Co. Inc. FULTON, N.Y.” There are 2-1/4” triangles of scroll engraving at breech ends, intersected by gold inlaid lightning bolts; there also are 7/8” triangles of scroll at muzzles. Bbl flats are engraved with SN, grade, and “CHAMBER 2-7/8”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with Whitworth sheaf of wheat logos, and tube numbers. Splinter is reinforced. Standard weight action with SN and grade engraved on water table, features non-automatic safety (SAFE gold inlaid), and Hunter ONE TRIGGER. Action and lockplates are near fully engraved with large shaded scroll having rose bouquet highlights and geometric borders surrounding oval vignettes of relief gold inlaid dogs and birds; gold inlaid setter is on left, with pointer on right. Trigger plate portrays gold inlaid alert grouse on red gold foliage. Other two color inlay, consisting of gold grape leaves and red gold grapes, is on each fence. This is the classic theme found on most “Premier” grade L. C. Smiths. Blued trigger guard has gold inlaid monogram “FWW” on bow. SN is at grip. Very fine, flame figured, dense American walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2” over leather faced Silver type pad. Beautifully cut, closely spaced, fancy border checkering with fleur-di-lis behind lockplates, is at grip. Thin ribbons go through pattern at rounded portion of knob. Matching long beavertail ejector forend has schnabeled tip. Iron internals are scroll engraved. Checkering is near full coverage with thin fleur-di-lis ribbons through pattern. Typical J-spring release has secondary lock in guitar shaped escutcheon. Bore diameter: left -.726, right -.727. Bore restrictions: left -.031 (full), right -.037 (full). Wall thickness: left -.030, right -.031. Drop at heel: 1-13/16", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 8 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". CONDITION: Fine, as refurbished. Bbls retain essentially all of a glossy rust blue, engraving slightly softened. Action retains traces of orig case hardening color, which was never very bright, as evidenced by color remaining on water table. Overall appearance is a very pleasing pewter gray. All engraving remains sharp and clear. Trigger guard is re-blued, engraving somewhat softened, especially at grip. Gold inlay from one leg of large “W” missing. Exceptionally well crafted replacement stocks retain nearly all of a glossy finish, with a few light marks. Checkering is very lightly worn, and is especially well cut, with correct pattern and quality, as is worthy of a gun of this grade. Bores are very fine, with some light scratches and polishing over old minor pits. Action is somewhat loose, nearly tight with forend installed. Bbls are off face. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. Any Premier grade L. C. Smith is a desirable and extremely scarce commodity, with a total of 28 being produced, 21 in 12 ga. "Certifiable pre-ban ivory" bead sights. 49417-13 MGM213 (25,000-35,000)