HUNTER ARMS/L.C. SMITH Grade Zero Side x Side 12g. C&R Hammerless SHOTGUN With Barrels Showing U.S. ORDNANCE Proof Marks

Product Description

HUNTER ARMS/L.C. SMITH Grade Zero Side x Side 12g. C&R Hammerless SHOTGUN  

With Barrels Showing U.S. ORDNANCE Proof Marks

Here we present a C&R Hunter Arms/L.C. Smith Grade 0 Double Barrel 12 Gauge Hammerless Shotgun, manufactured circa 1911 with a production run between 1912 and 1934. Production of the No. 0 shotgun began in 1894, and it was the lowest grade available until the introduction of the No. 00 in 1898. The 1900 catalog copy said: “A well-made gun, with all improvements to meet the demands of sportsmen for a reliable gun at a low price. Damascus barrels, choke-bored; English walnut stock; half pistol grip; checkered and well finished . . .” “L.C. Smith” was stamped on the lock plates and a border was engraved around the perimeter of the lock plates. Twist Steel barrels were available when it was first offered, but they were changed to Damascus Steel in 1899. Starting in 1907, new London Steel barrels were an option. Initially available in 10, 12, and 16 gauges, the 20 gauge was added later. Lightweight guns were available after 1907. Automatic ejectors (placed in 6,525 shotguns) were an option starting in 1898. A total of 29,061 were manufactured, and the retail price was $47 in 1898 and $48 in 1912. Production data are 1,795 10 gauge, 22,342 12 gauge, 1 14 gauge, 3,617 16 gauge, and 1,306 gauge guns.

The era of the great American double-barreled shotgun lasted for almost 100 years, from shortly after the Civil War in the late 1860s until the middle of the 20th century. Grand old names like Parker, Fox, Ithaca, Winchester and L.C. Smith topped the list of the better double guns that were made in the United States. Each of these brands have many advocates, users and collectors.

The L.C. Smith Company has a rather complex history. Lyman Cornelius Smith and his older brother, Leroy, entered the gun business in partnership with William H. Baker in 1877 to manufacture the Baker series of shotguns. In 1880, Lyman (L.C.) Smith bought out his brother and William Baker. Leroy Smith, William Baker and some other partners went on to form Ithaca Gun Co. L.C. continued to make the Baker guns, which were marked “L.C. Smith, Maker of the Baker Gun.” The Baker models were phased out beginning in 1884, and by 1886 newly designed hammer and hammerless side-by-sides were being made by “L.C. Smith, Maker.” At about this time, L.C. was looking beyond the firearms industry for his next business venture. He was intrigued by the recent invention of a gadget that would eventually have as huge an impact on our culture as the firearm. It was called the typewriter, and Smith made the decision to sell his gun company and go into the typewriter business. In 1888 he sold the company to John Hunter of Fulton, New York, who formed the Hunter Arms Company and continued making the L.C. Smith shotguns in a new factory in Fulton. From 1889 until 1945, L.C. Smith shotguns were made by Hunter Arms Company.

The frame of this example was manufactured in 1911 and is fitted with a mismatched set of 1942 manufactured Field Grade Wild Fowl barrels showing U.S. Ordnance proof marks.

The overall condition is very good. Original blue finish on the barrels. Excellent action. Mirror bright bores. Intact case colors on the frame. The wood is fine with sharp wrist checkering. Numbers on the frame and forend match.

Own the original! This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrels: 32 inches.

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Chambers: 2-3/4 inches with Extractor

Chokes: Full/Full

Length of Pull: 15-1/2 inches

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

www.ancestryguns.com

$1500
#247510