Page 262 - Auction84-Book2

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LOT 1511
Rare Factory Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Hunter Arms/L.C. Smith De-Luxe Grade Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun - Serial no. RE87803, 12 gauge, 32 inch vent rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels with dual white bead sights on the matted vent rib which is marked “MADE TO ORDER/
BY THE/HUNTER ARMS Co INC/FULTON N.Y.” as well as “L. C. SMITH De-Luxe GRADE”
in gold lettering. The barrels have wedge of floral scroll engraving at either breech along with relief gold inlaid leafy vine designs. The chambers measure 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors. The casehardened sidelock action features near full coverage floral scroll engraving surrounding three separate relief gold inlaid game bird scenes. The left shows six Gambel’s quail in an upland scene, the right shows a hunter and his faithful dog in a similar setting, and a single solitary quail on the underside. The gun also shows multiple relief gold inlaid oak leaf and grape vine designs throughout the engraving on the action. Gold plated single selective Hunter One trigger with gold plated selector and gold oak leaf on the blued trigger guard. Beautifully figured, fancy multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved fittings, relief gold oak leaf inlay on the shoe, rotary latch release, and horn wedge inlay. The pistol grip stock is
of equal beauty with matching checkering and a bone grip cap inscribed “SWC” in a monogram, black spacer, and a Hawkins red rubber recoil pad. These De-Luxe Grade
L. C. Smith shotguns are exceedingly rare with only 30 being produced in total, 21 of which were in 12 gauge and only 7 in this particular configuration per page 213 of William Brophy’s “L. C. Smith Shotguns”. This shotguns configuration of a “R” frame gun with 32 inch barrels, ejectors, Hunter One Trigger, beavertail forend, and ventilated barrel rib as well as the June 9, 1926 shipment date are also confirmed on the same page. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .728/.726 inches; choke constriction .035/.032 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.030 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs 9 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% professionally reapplied blue finish, 80% plus original case colors with some areas of muting, some scattered light spotting, and light handling evidence. The gold shows minimal wear with 99% remaining with exception of the trigger which shows 70% of its gold finish. There is a tiny crack coming off each of the locks at the rear with another tiny crack at the rear
of the forend tip, otherwise the wood is very fine with a few light marks and
crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Don’t miss out on this chance for this exceptionally rare, high condition shotgun!
Estimate: 65,000 - 110,000