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LOT 451
Antique Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid L. C. Smith
10 Gauge Grade 5 Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 20823, 10
gauge, 32 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured between 1886 and 1888. Blued extra fine twist
Damascus steel barrels with single brass bead sight on the matted, concave solid rib which is marked “L. C. SMITH
MAKER SYRACUSE N.Y. EXTRA FINE DAMASCUS STEEL”, single bands of engraving at either breech, and chambers measured 3 inches with single extractor. The casehardened action and lock plates display lightly carved fences and beautiful floral scroll engraving surrounding a pair of setters in a forested scene on the left plate and a pair of pointers in a forested scene on the right with the desirable “stepside” through the plates on both sides. The trigger guard shows the same scroll with a gold inlaid setter in an upland scene in an oval. The gun features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety switch. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and ebony tip inlay and pistol grip stock with teardrop flats, blank gold inscription shield, and hard rubber grip cap and L. C. Smith “TRAP GUN” buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .797/.798 inches; choke constriction .044/.040 inches; 2 inch drop at comb; 3 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 10 lbs 7 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 50% of the original brown finish on the barrels with a mostly silver patina on the action and locks with flashes of case colors and light handling evidence. There is a chip from the left of the forend, otherwise, the wood is very fine with a few light scratches and crisp checkering. Mechanically needs work as the front trigger/right cocking piece does not reset properly.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
      
























































































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