doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com L C Smith Specialty & Crown ...

I had the opportunity to view two guns today. I know the history of both of these guns ordered by the Father of the recent Vendor in 1925. Both guns have been used very little, likely less than 1000 rounds through the 20 gauge and perhaps 2000 through the 12 gauge. Both guns are near perfect condition - some very slight marks on the wood of each from handling during the rare shooting they received, both are perfect mechanically. We have had an interesting discussion concerning the relative collectability of the two guns. One is a 20 gauge Specialty Grade ejector gun, double triggers, 30" barrels, choked full and full, not marked with the R designation but are of the lightweight not regular frame and not featherweight configuration. The other is a 12 gauge Crown Grade, 30" barrels, full and full with % s on the tag as achieved with specified load, ejectors, double triggers , 3" waterfowl gun ( as stated on the tag ) full and full. Now which of these guns in your opinion is the more collectable? Thanks for your input,

They're both very desireable guns, but I think the Crown Grade would be the more collectable.. I don;t quite understand what youre saying about that 20 bore frame.. MDC

MDC To clarify the frame size. In looking at the dimensioned sketches of the 20 gauge frames, this frame has the 3/8" wide bottom lug but the other dimensions are as per the regular frame. I was leaning towards the Crown Grade myself given the hang tag and the 3" chambers etc. but my friend feels that the 20 gauge has more appeal. I have the option of acquiring one but only one of these guns.

Specialty Grades are sort of ugly, while Crown Grades are beautiful, if that makes any difference.

This Crown Grade; in spite of having 3" , full & full, stated waterfowl configuration, long range engraved on receiver bottom, has setters in bold relief engraving on the side plates. Interesting selection of engraving topic by the original purchaser. I agree the Crown Grade is certainly the more lovely gun.

OK---looks like the Crown wins the popularity contest!
Slate, you take the Crown and leave the "ugly" Speciality for me!

Wish I could recommend whichever one remains to another but that is not in the cards. The structure of this arrangement is not solely based on $s etc. but on association, and goodwill friendship. Stating my preference does not necessarily mean that is the gun I will acquire. But either way it is an unlooked for opportunity and is much appreciated. Once everything is concluded which could be a couple of months I will post photos of whichever gun I am fortunate enough to receive. Just wanted input from this "learned collection of gentlemen" as to merits of the two guns.

Wow! Please post some pics over on the LCSCA Forum
http://members.boardhost.com/lcsmith/

The Crown Grade was made by both the Hunter Arms Co. and the L.C. Smith Co. A total of 890 Crown Grades were made. It could be ordered with 26"-32' barels of Nitro Steel or Damascus. Bored to whatever chokes you wanted. You could get it in Featherweight or Regular frame. A gold crown emblem on the top lever was standard. Introduced in 1913 and discontinued in 1945.
As you stated it has a hang tag specifying 3" waterfowl gun. Does it have Wildfowl or Long range on the barrel lug coming through the receiver? This gun would only be made in the Regular frame and not in the Featherweight. Plus it should have 3" chambers on the barrels water tables.

The 20 ga. Specialty Grade is no slouch either. Having ejectors and 30" barrels makes it a little more hard to find.
20 ga guns from L.C. Smith are all on the Featherweight frame. There has been discussion on 20 ga. Regular frame guns, but none have surfaced yet.
The easiest way to tell a Featherweight from a Regular frame is the number of screws in the side locks, 2 on one side of the Featherweight and 1 on a Regular frame. Plus the bottom lug is bigger on the Regular frame.

Blue Book of Gun Values 26th Edition lists the Crown Grade 95% condition=$7,000, 80%=$4,500, 60%=$4,000. Plus $500. for ejectors.

Specialty Grade: 95% conditon=$2,500, 80%=$1,800, 60%=$1,500. Plus add 50% for 20ga. and $500. for ejectors.
So now in "perfect condition" as you stated Crown Grade=$7,500.
Specialty Grade in same condtion=$4,250
This condition will most likely vary upon different people.
Good luck. David

JDW, To clarify, Yes the gun has "long range" on the bottom lug and 3" markings on the water tables. I will write a short story about these particular guns once the " activity " concerning their eventual disposition is decided. Thanks for all the input.