12 over C in a diamond means gauge at chamber , with chamber lengths 3" or less. 12 over LC in a diamond means the gun has LONGER than 3" chambers.
I spot a disagreement here between Baron Engelhardt and Lee Kennett. Engelhardt says the LC mark applies to "10, 12, and 14 gauge having chambers of 3" or longer, and those of 16 to 32 gauge having chambers 2 3/4" and longer". Kennett says: "To distinguish shotguns using the longer shells, those with chamber lengths of 3" or more were to bear the nominal gauge in a lozenge, along with the letters LC, for long chamber." Usually they're in agreement, with the Kennett material simply updating Engelhardt through the 1955 rules of proof.
Based on the serial number and the "maximum" marking on the barrel flats, that gun probably dates from 1903-04.
Last edited by L. Brown; 02/06/11 05:59 PM.
