Smith brand to market with models imported from Italy from 2004 to 2010. Smith was resurrected for five years, and production ceased in 1973. In 1945, Marlin Firearms Company acquired Hunter Arms, and the L.C. It was manufactured between 18 in Syracuse, New York and between 18 in Fulton, New York, by Hunter Arms Company. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.One of the finest American-made double-barrel shotguns and very collectible in today's market.
Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. Wood is sound with minor nicks & scratches and retains 96-97% strong orig varnish. Bottom tang is moderately faded in the finger grasping area. Receiver & lockplates retain most of their orig case colors, slightly faded, strong in sheltered areas. Bbls retain most of their orig factory blue with a light, fine stain about mid-point on right bbl. The above referenced book listing shows shipment Nov. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum fact sheet fully identifying this shotgun as having been shipped June 30, 1944.
Smith Shotguns, Brophy, by serial number and is one of only two 16 ga. The inside of the forend iron is also beautifully engraved to match as is the thumb wheel plate. Engraving patterns extend 2-3/8” up over chamber areas and have raised gold grape vines, leaves & grapes in 3-color gold as does the receiver end of forend iron. Top tang has “SAFE” in gold with gold plated safety. Back of fences and across top of receiver have a fine raised rib and have 3-color gold matching inlays. Top of receiver, opening lever & bottom of receiver have identical grape vine leaves & clusters of grapes patterns also in 3-color gold.
Front ends of receiver have grape vines, leaves & a cluster of grapes in 3-color gold. Receiver, lockplates and all appended metal are spectacularly engraved with very beautiful, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with stippled background and numerous raised gold birds & animals with the vignettes of two bird dogs on point in a field scene on left side, a partridge at front of left lockplate, four flying ducks in a marsh scene on right lockplate with a flying duck at front of lockplate. Mounted with very beautiful English walnut with carved & checkered black insert splinter forearm and straight hand stock also with carved & checkered wrist, 13-5/8” over a leather faced pad. FULTON, N.Y.” and rib extension is marked “L.C. Rib is engraved “MADE TO ORDER / BY THE / HUNTER ARMS CO., INC. It has 28” bbls, choked FULL/MOD with ventilated rib, dbl beads, crossbolt rib extension, ejectors & Hunter One-Trigger.
Spectacular deluxe grade, one of only two ever made in this gauge, with both being made in 1944, and the only one that remains unaltered. SMITH DELUXE GRADE DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN.