The most common of these became the ‘Field’ grade. Needless to say, the latter system was in place until 1913 when the change in hands resulted in new options for Fulton Arms L.C. The earliest were described as ‘qualities’ rather than grades from this vintage. Smith guns, that is to say guns from the pre-1913 date, were graded with numbers or letters, ascending/descending and covering a variety of options available at the time. Image courtesy of Dogs and Doubles.Įarly L.C. 2 with ejectors, refereed to as model 2E. Smith gun owners during the past 50 years! Your gun bears the most famous name in shotgun history. “Welcome to the hundreds of thousands of shooters who have joined the ranks of L.C. But safety is of particular importance when we consider all the other factors at play when wingshooting. There is a time and place for keeping history alive, no doubt, and I have a share of very old guns - hammers and Damascus included. The same goes for the risk of shooting Damascus steel barrel guns. For most wingshooters there is romance in shooting old guns, but one does question the efficacy of using a hammer gun in real-world bird hunting scenarios. You would not want to put a modern 2¾ inch sporting load through one of those vintage 1800s guns. Most of the early guns were either hammer guns or had Damascus twist barrels, and were built to handle the common loads of the times. Smith Baker, most of these models would be impractical for today’s wingshooter. Though a number of models were available in early Baker Vintage production as well as the L.C. Smith Collectors Association Models, grades and options for the L.C. The Marlin Arms Company did produce a few guns in the late 60s and early 70s, though production was very limited.Īd from 1915 – Image from L.C. Production continued for 4 or 5 years until a portion of the factory collapsed, causing an eventual shutdown and the suspension of production. Though company ownership changed hands over the course of time, the next significant purchase came in 1945 when the Marlin Arms company purchased the L.C. During this period of production, options and variety were added to the lineup, including a number of grades, gauges, stock configurations, ejectors and trigger options. Smith Gun that most folks are familiar with began at length. At that time the company passed to John Hunter of Fulton, N.Y., and the production of the L.C. Smith to make guns under the Baker name until 1889.
Baker and Leroy Smith would go on to create the Ithaca Gun Company, leaving L.C. Their offerings included side-by-side shotguns with external hammers and three barrel guns - side-by-side shotgun barrels over a rifle barrel, commonly referred to as drillings. Baker and the brothers Leroy Smith and Lyman Cornelius Smith began making guns in partnership in 1879 under the Baker name. They are also unique in design when compared to many of the other popular doubles of their time and are inarguably tied to wingshooting history in the States. Smith is easily one of the most recognizable names in the world of American double guns. We hope you will consider previewing and attending one of our auctions in person.Exploring the shotgun manufacturer famous for their American side lock We have many satisfied, repeat customers and look forward to the opportunity to count you as one. By bidding on the item you agree to any and all of these terms. WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESSED AND OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY WITH REGARD TO ANY SALE MADE THROUGH APPLE TREE AUCTION CENTER. An appraisal is based on one professional''s opinion. Precious stones are not tested or removed from mountings to determine carat. Personal inspection is always the best way for an individual to make the most informed bidding decisions. The readings have been noted, but this IS NOT A GUARANTEE. Some items have been scanned in the Niton DXL. This includes items that are stamped and hallmarked. Jewelry and precious metals are not automatically tested. If you cannot ascertain the information to bid with certainty, please do not bid. Each item''s description is independent and should not be used as a precedent to judge other items. Specific condition questions are welcomed at least 24 hours prior to the start of the auction. The omission of a condition report in no way indicates the item is without flaws, damage, and age wear. Personal inspection is recommended and welcomed during preview and any time before item is sold.
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