Manufactured in 1921, this is a very rare L. C. Smith Monogram Grade in the "FWOT" (featherweight, Hunter One Trigger, Trap) configuration which is one of just two listed as being built in 20 gauge, and the only one with 28 inch barrels according to the charts in Appendix "B" of William Brophy's "L. C. Smith Shotguns". The gun is also one of less than 50 Monogram Grade guns built in 20 gauge total. This is a truly special opportunity to own the only known example of a particular configuration of one of America's most famous shotguns. This information is given in a set of letters from Walter Schiessl "The L. C. Smith Man" from his time with the gun in 2000. Shipped on April 15, 1921, this gun was built with blued steel barrels featuring a single white bead sight on the matted concave solid rib which is marked "L. C. SMITH Monogram GRADE" at the base behind a single gold bar inlay as well as "MONOGRAM STEEL" and "MADE TO ORDER BY THE HUNTER ARMS CO. INC. FULTON. N.Y." marked on the right and left tubes respectively. According to the included Schiessl letters, this is the only shotgun that he has ever seen with Monogram Steel barrels, a point which our records reflect. The barrels show wedges of scroll engraving at either breech and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened sidelock action which displays near full coverage scroll engraving surrounding "L.C. SMITH" on either lockplate as well as a pair of doves on the left side, a mallard on the underside, and a matching set of doves on the right side. The gun features a selective Hunter One Trigger and a tang mounted manual safety with a gold inlaid "S" indicator. The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured and fancy fleur-de-lis checkered splinter forend with engraved forend iron and an ebony tip inlay as well as a pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap and a serrated buttplate. Included with the lot is the original factory hang tag. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .615/.616 inches; choke constriction .009/.007 inches; minimum wall thickness .023/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 7/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 3 oz. Provenance: The Michael Tenny Collection

Very fine overall, retaining 95% plus reapplied blue finish, traces of the original case colors in the protected areas of the action with the balance a fine silver patina, and light handling evidence. The freshened wood is also very fine with a few minor marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A possibly once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a one-of-a-kind classic American shotgun!