Some guns are have a patent date of March 29,’83 Second patent #345,362 July 13, 1886, lock mechanism for concealed hammer guns (L.C. Patent numbers and dates: First patent #274,435 March 20, 1883, Breech-loading mechanism, joint and ejector system. This would have to be after 22501 because 22631 has its original hang tag from Syracuse.
The records for serial numbers 22501-27765 are lost, and are Fulton shotguns.
Very early Fulton guns also have this feature.** It has been noted that some have been seen with the squared lug, and we now have pictures of a few in the 30-31xxx serial number range. This can be seen on a few of the serial numbers listed *, too low for Fulton but have the shape and the convex lumps of the Syracuse shotgun. There are recorded instances where Syracuse shotguns were sent to Fulton for re-barreling, and there are recorded serial numbers that overlap Syracuse shotguns with Fulton shotguns. Shotguns from Syracuse finished in Fulton have the Fulton address, but serial numbers reflect Syracuse origin. Once in Fulton, changes were made in the design. During the period of 1888 to 1890, machinery and equipment was being moved from Syracuse to Fulton (about 30 miles). Also records for 1888 include no production figures. Smith, Maker, sold the company to John Hunter. Production stopped sometime in 1888 when Lyman C. Production totals by month were: August 14 September 96 October 73 November 82 December 66 Total 281 Returns - 15 266 Total sold August to December, 1886
The hammerless shotgun went into production in August, 1886. Fifteen were returned for credit leaving 266 guns sold the first year. Smith records for the first year of hammerless shotguns show that 281 were produced. From an old 3” x 6” notepad that Lyman Cornelius Smith handed down upon selling the gun works, the Syracuse L.C. Price was Quality 2- $80.00 and Quality 7- $450.00, In doing this research, I have come to the conclusion that guns with serial numbers in the 16xxx, 18xxx, 19xxx, 20xxx, and up to 22500 are hammerless shotguns and 15xxx, 17xxx, 21xxx, 24,xxx and 25xxx and 26xxx range are hammer guns. All barrels were Damascus, and the Grades ranged from Quality 2 through Quality 7. What is known is that they were made in 10 gauge and 12 gauge with 30” and 32” barrels. The serial number range is thought to be between 15,00022,500. David Williamson There are no existing records for the shotguns produced by L.C. Smith finished the fences, too, as well as the overall shape of the stock. I have to say, I really like it - especially the Damascus bbls and the blush of color-case hardening on the action. It’s a Pigeon grade, and it looks like it’s in excellent original condition. Gunmakers responded to this popularity by building shotguns for this sport. People participated in shoots throughout the country, and the top shots traveled the country–and the world–competing and winning huge amounts of prize money. lc smith shotgun for saleĪ hundred years ago, live pigeon shooting was a huge pastime in the U.S.
The barrels are marked “Made to Order by the Hunter Arms CO” and “Fulton, NY”. I don’t see any choke markings on the barrels. The barrels on the gun now are 28″ and are one digit off from the serial number, so I don’t know if perhaps this was a two-barrel set originally (just a guess). According to the letter this gun was shipped with 32″ barrels. Buy lc smith shotguns, this gun also includes a letter from the Cody Museum. This particular example was made in 1911. There were only 1397 20 Pigeon Grades produced between 18. This gun is in good condition overall showing some bluing wear. Buy LC Smith Shotguns Online With Credit Card and PayPal Discreet Overnight Delivery