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SMITH, L.C.

The L.C. Smith sidelock shotgun with its famous rotary locking bolt is considered an "American Best" and is recognized as one of America's most prestigious and collectible shotguns. The Blue Book of Gun Values strongly recommends an expert appraisal when contemplating a purchase of a higher grade L.C. Smith, particularly in 90%+ original condition. L.C. Smith shotguns with a second set of barrels (usually marked "2") and forend serial numbered to the gun (1 and 2) with matching serial numbers and forends are valued at 50% more if they were made at the factory when the shotgun was built. A second set of barrels will add 33% to the value if the shotgun was sent back to the factory to be fitted with the second set. Guns that are mechanically factory original, but have been professionally restored (barrels, receivers, and wood) are of less interest to collectors. Therefore, these expertly restored guns should be valued at about 65-70% of the highest value listed for a particular grade in this section, assuming the restored gun exhibits little, if any wear. Values are dependent upon grade and craftsmanship and are not included in these suggested values.
Factory records are available for the following: Hunter Arms Company shotguns 1890-1918, production and shipping records 1918-1946 (including boxlock Ranger, Fulton, Gladiator, and Hunter Special grades), L.C. Smith Gun Co. records 1946-1950 ("FWS" prefix), and Marlin records 1968-1971 ("FWM" prefix). Information in research letters from the L.C. Smith Collectors Association includes configuration, complete manufacture and shipping dates; numbers in each grade, and barrel length; description of engraving and special features, and original retail price. A letter of authentication increases the value of any grade from any era by a minimum of $100.
The L.C. Smith Collectors Association offers a variety of services as well as a quarterly collector's journal. Readers may reach the organization at lcsca.clubexpress.com. Price of factory letters are $50 for members and $75 for non-members. Letters containing basic information may be obtained through the Cody Firearms Records Office at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
The price guide in this book is based on the remaining percentage of original case color finish. Original bold, vivid case colors will command a substantial premium on most grades.
L.C. Smith shotguns were manufactured by W.H. Baker & Company and L.C. Smith Maker, Syracuse, NY (1878-1889); Hunter Arms Company, Fulton, NY (1890-1946); L.C. Smith Gun Company, Fulton, NY (1946-1950); Marlin Firearms Company, North Haven, CT (1968-1971). L.C. Smith trademarked shotguns were also manufactured in Italy and Spain and imported by Marlin Firearms Company, North Haven, CT (2004-2009).
SMITH, L.C. logo

SMITH, L.C. Firearms Models

MODEL LC12-DB Image

MODEL LC12-DB

12 ga., boxlock action, 28 in. vent. rib barrels with choke tubes, single trigger, ejectors, detachable sideplates, semi-beavertail forearm, fleur-de-lis checkered walnut pistol grip stock with fluted comb, recoil pad, bead front sight, app...

MODEL LC12 Image

MODEL LC12

12 ga., 28 in. vent. rib barrels with choke tubes, SST, ejectors, fleur-de-lis checkered walnut pistol grip stock with fluted comb, recoil pad, bead front sight, approx. 7 1/4 lbs. Mfg. for Marlin in Italy and Spain 2005-2009.

FIELD GRADE MODEL Image

FIELD GRADE MODEL

12 ga., 28 in. barrels, aluminum ventilated rib, F/M chokes, extractors, double triggers, checkered pistol grip stock. 2,038 mfg. 1968-1971.

QUALITY F Image

QUALITY F

Three different Quality/Grade F shotgun barrel steels were used, (Damascus, Best English Stub Twist, and Royal fluid steel).

DELUXE MODEL Image

DELUXE MODEL

12 ga., 28 in. barrels, Simmons floating ventilated rib, F/M chokes, extractors, double triggers, checkered select walnut pistol grip stock, beavertail forearm. 189 mfg. 1971 only.

MODEL LC20 Image

MODEL LC20

20 ga., 26 in. vent. rib barrels with choke tubes, otherwise similar to LC12, approx. 6 3/4 lbs. Mfg. for Marlin in Italy and Spain 2005-2009.

MODEL LC20-DB Image

MODEL LC20-DB

20 ga., 26 in. vent. rib barrels with choke tubes, otherwise similar to Model LC12-DB, approx. 6 1/2 lbs. Mfg. for Marlin in Italy and Spain 2005-2009.

HUNTER SPECIAL Image

HUNTER SPECIAL

similar to Fulton Special, except has L.C. Smith rotary locking bolt system and a different roll-mark. 5,971 mfg. 1937-1945.

MODEL LC28-DB/LC410-DB Image

MODEL LC28-DB/LC410-DB

28 ga. or .410, 26 in. vent. rib barrels with three choke tubes, scaled down version of the Model LC20-DB, gold game scenes on sides and bottom of receiver, approx. 6 1/4 - 6 1/2 lbs. Mfg. for Marlin in Italy and Spain 2007-2009.