GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE 16 GAUGE L. C. SMITH GRADE A1.L. C. SMITHSXS415116 GACal. 16 GA This unusual pre 1898 gun with only 12 made in this gauge and grade, has 28” fine chain Damascus bbls with broad, flat matted rib. Extension, is engraved “HUNTER ARMS CO. MAKERS FULTON, NY. Bbl flats are stamped with SN. Splinter is stamped with grade. Small case hardened action is filed with single bead around fences, but is not fluted on bottom. Action features automatic safety and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with sprays of scroll with some geometric embellishment on fences. Lockplates have about 80% coverage of light scroll with some floral highlights surrounding vignettes of dogs in hunting poses; a setter looks intently into hedgerow on left, while a pointer points under fir tree on right. “L. C. SMITH” is engraved at the bottom of each lockplate. Trigger guard bow depicts a pair of standing quail. SN is on grip. Nicely marbled and fine flame figured European walnut pistol grip buttstock with ogee shaping to grip finial measures 13-5/8” over ribbed composition buttplate. Point pattern checkering with line border is at grip. Matching splinter forend with early style ejectors has inlet ebony tip, J-spring release, and secondary sliding button release in round escutcheon. Bore diameter: left -.651, right -.653. Bore restrictions: left -.015 (Mod), right -.000 (Cyl). Wall thickness: left -.031, right -.032. Drop at heel: 2-5/8", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 6 lbs 12 oz. LOP: 13-5/8". CONDITION: Good. Bbls retain 60 – 70% orig Damascus finish which still shows dramatic Damascus pattern well. Action and lockplates have been cleaned to a silver gray, traces of color are visible where protected around fences. There is some fairly deep pitting on right side of action under front of lockplate. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish with numerous subsequent marks, some old sanding marks visible, checkering nicely re-cut. There are a number of small chips and bumps on left side of forend, at intersection of bbl. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors will not fire. 49102-5 MGM215 (7,500-12,500)