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.
The bbl 4E mark looks punched in over a weld or in the least different from the rest and not a clean mark. Something was filled in beneath it. The NP proof marks look faint and double struck from rebound effect. Redone proof marks, poorly done or polished over originals, ,,,,tough to tell from that'd pic but they draw my attention. Maybe just the flash in the picture.
With out the gun in hand but with the major things I see wrong and just a guess from the pics,,I'd also suspect it may be a full upgrade to a 4E including changing of serial# and grade markings.
The serial number stamps themselves just look too new in style to me.
Closer examination of the marks and gun in general are needed for that of course.
I think it has been welded up and the serial number and 4E mark along with the proof marks re-struck. Heavy filing and sanding on the barrel flats etc. Bottom line is, the factory, Hunter or Marlin would not have done it in this fashion originally or on a re-barrel/re-finish, they would have used correct new tubes.
Calling a spade a spade, the gun appears to be a cobbled up fake IMO. That may be 'harsh', but so is the guy that tried to fake those barrels and change serial numbers.
