doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com LC Smith 4E 20 gauge

I wish I had better pictures. It may be a week before I can get better ones.

This gun had 28 inch barrels and bores that measured cylinder/Improved cylinder. If I remember correctly it did have the slight gap on the left side and a minor crack starting on the right. Funny though the wood passed the smell test with me, it was the barrels that, IMO definatley looked redone.

I thought it might be one of a few thousand, when I did some checking and realized how rare it might be that is when I wished I had spent more time going over it, taking pictures and notes.

I just bought a Fox XE recently so I was kidding that I needed funds for a divorce lawyer left over if I bought it.

As I get more info, I will post it.

Thanks again for all the opinions and assistance. It has been a real help.

Final thought on the gun is for me-----

Top rib extension not being fitted flush with the receiver slot , except at the end, is an item that would never have been done originally.

Barrel breech and top rib engraving don't match.

Barrel finish and case color are too good for the stock condition and finish.

So, let's assume for a minute if the barrel is a replacement, and the receiver is original but redone, What does that do to value? What range might a fair offer be in?

Does it make it a Frankensmith fake to be avoided or a desirable/affordable shooter with some quirks that most likeley will never be adequately explained?

If back in the day the gun showed up with maker name engraved like first day apprentice did it, it would go back in a heartbeat. CB

Cobbled up guns should be avoided IMO.......

1. Barrels appear to be replacements with an "attempt" to fake originality. Poor engraving speaks for itself.

2. Case colors are a refinish with an "attempt" to fake originality.

3. Thumb lever checking appears to be of "field" grade quality and unlike high grade Hunter Arms L.C. Smiths with an "attempt" to fake originality IMO.

If you can live with knowing it is most likely a cobbled together fake, then price it accordingly. Everyone here will have a different opinion though, so good luck with it.

I would have it appraised if you're still serious and check the serial number with the Cody Museum where all the original L.C. Smith records are.

I suspect this has got lost in the shuffle here. That gap between metal and wood on the left side would bother me. I'd recommend a competent gunsmith pull the locks at the very least and have a good look at the wood in the stock head. The other points made by others certainly affect value but a cracked head piece affects operability.
Jim

Until more facts about this gun are furnished, it is all speculation. It states gun was inherited, and it might be possible present owner knows or has some paper work to state what has possibly been done to it.
It is very possibly that extension rib was damaged and repaced.
"Arms" is the only word that is done poorly.
If barrels were replaced at the factory, it is also possible that the recoil pad was added at this time.
As far as case color, it looks as original for being made in 1911.

Still a very rare gun, and hopefully we will get some better pictures and some history.

This gun looks/reminds me of a "fake" that was marketed a couple of years ago at pretty big bucks ..... the LC Community knocked the gun for what it was !!!

May have the serial number somewhere ???

The rib extension on that gun "ain't right" ... PERIOD !!!

Buyer beware

Be Safe All, Jimmy B.

JSUK .....

Faked guns get inherited too ..... just sayin ....

don't make em any "righter" :-)

Be Safe All, Jimmy B.

Jimmy, by inherited, I meant down through the family from the original owner, should have stated that.