doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com No markings on the top rib early LCS

1891 is about right, and as such it would be a 'transition gun'.

"Wyoming County Times", November 28, 1889
Syracuse, Nov. 20 – Lyman C. Smith has sold a controlling in the L.C. Smith gun works, of this city, manufacturers of hammerless guns, to John Hunter and his five sons, and Harry Comstock of Fulton, and the works will be moved to Fulton immediately. The new firm will be known as the Hunter & Comstock Arms company and will have the largest gun manufacturing plant in the United States.

"Sandy Creek News", January 2, 1890
The Hunter & Comstock Arms company of Fulton, will hereafter be known as the Hunter Arms Company, the Hunters having bought Comstock’s interest. Comstock retains his rights in all patents taken out by him. The Hunters will make the L.C. Smith gun at their factory.

"Syracuse style" unfinished guns and parts were then shipped to the new factory in Fulton for completion, and were available until about 1892.
These "transition guns" have the large convex ribs on the bottom of the receiver, squared lug (images courtesy of David Williamson)



and a wider forend with a duck bill and vase shaped ebony tip



They usually had no markings on the top of the barrels



and might have Syracuse or Fulton engraving patterns



The Hunter Arms Co. Makers, Fulton, N.Y. Quality No. 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 grades were continuations of the L.C. Smith Maker Syracuse guns, and they were first sold in 1890. The A2, A1, and Monogram were first offered in 1892; the Pigeon in 1893; and the A3 and Quality No. 0 in 1895.