GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
VERY FINE AND RARE L. C. SMITH "EAGLE" GRADE SINGLE TRIGGER EJECTOR STRAIGHT GRIP SHOTGUN.L.C. SMITHEAGLE GRADE21693112GAMODERN; C&R; ESA(1913) Cal. 12 ga. This fine old gun was made during the first year of production of the "Eagle" grade, and has 30" bbls with matted rib marked "L. C. SMITH EAGLE GRADE" and "HUNTER ARMS CO M'F'R'S FULTON, NY" on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with SN and grade. Case hardened standard weight action with non-automatic safety and selective Hunter One trigger, is engraved in the unique "eagle" grade manner, with approx 50% coverage large scroll, as counterpoint to relief engraved birds on lockplates and top lever. A flying pheasant is on left lock, and a flying mallard on right. A flying eagle is on top lever pivot. On this particular early gun, these engravings are exceptionally well done, especially the pheasant. "L. C. SMITH" is in English script on each lockplate. Scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang. Nicely marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over reproduction NOSHOC pad. Point pattern checkering with line borders is at grip. Matching splinter ejector forend with inlet ebony tip, has usual J-spring along with secondary roll release in guitar shaped escutcheon. Bore diameter: left -.731, right - .730. Bore restrictions: left - .038 (extra full), right - .039 (extra full). Wall thickness: left - .027, right - .027. Drop at heel: 2-3/16", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Neutral cast. Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls have nearly all of a well done rust blue, with some subsequent light marks. Action retains 70% orig color. Lockplates retain nearly all of their color. Trigger guard retains most of an old re-blue, engraving slightly softened. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their orig finish, with numerous light marks and scratches. Checkering is slightly worn. Some diamonds are flattened on forend. Bores are excellent, with some light scratches. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. Loop has been re-soldered. A truly elegant L. C. Smith. Approx 580 "Eagle" grades were made in all gauges, around 440 in twelve gauge. 51751-3 MGM162 (4,000-6,000)