Using the chart here: http://doublegunshop.com/dgsnos5.htm

I am unsure of the date of production for 12ga s/n 1008xx.
Rotary extractor gun, if that is helpful.

1898 production ends at 45999
L.C. Smith - Hammerless (Non-ejector) - 8, 10, 12 and 16 Gauge 1898 45999

1899 production ends at 105210
L.C. Smith - Hammerless (Non-ejector) - 10 and 12 Gauge 1899 105210

Sixty thousand seems like a lot of shotguns.....

Can someone help me narrow it down?

From the L.C. Smith Collectors Assn. site says 1898
for more information go their site.
Bill Miller

1899


100,000 to 105,210

12 and 10 gauge

During the period of 1890 to 1916, many numbers are not sequential with blocks of overlapping numbers assigned to different types of shotguns, such as hammerless ejector guns.

I find it to be 1899 production on their site.
http://www.lcsmith.org/shotguns/manufacture.html

1899 - 100,000 to 105,210 -- 12 and 10 gauge

Where did you see 1898?

EDIT: Overlapped posting with Norm.

1899 was also the last year for the rotary joint check in both the hammer and hammerless guns.

The serial numbers were not sequential as thought before in Brophy's and Houchins books.

From 1890 to 1950 there were a total of 528,980 shotguns made.

Thanks.

Will have to call it a 'gun'.

Brought to me today for inspection and cleaning. If it was pre-99 it didn't need to go in the log book.