L.C. Smith | Dogs and Doubles

Great guns coming up today at Julias…

March 16, 2015March 15, 2015 by Gregg

FINE ALEXANDER HENRY BAR ACTION HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR J. LISTER: SN 6687. (1893) Cal. .450 BPE. 28″ Fine Damascus bbls with full length file cut rib are engraved “Alexr Henry Edinburgh and London.” and “Maker to Their Royal Highness’ The Prince of Wales and Duke of Edinburgh” on uncut portion of rib in front of one standing, three folding leaf express rear sight. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs, SN, and “AH”. Case hardened Jones under lever action is fitted with unusual bar locks (most Henry rifles are fitted with back action locks). Locks have front sliding stalking safeties and round bodied serpentine hammers with dolphins heads and tall spurs. Action is engraved with well cut small intricate scroll. “Alexr Henry” is on each lockplate. Water table stamped with SN and “AH” has lightening cuts. Scroll engraved steel trigger guard has SN at grip.

Intricately marbled and lightly figured European walnut steel trap capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4″ over checkered wood butt with engraved steel heel and toe plates. A thin shadow line beaded cheekpiece is on left side, and point pattern checkering with mullered borders is at grip. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting release. Drop at heel: approx 2-7/8″, drop at comb: approx 2″. Weight: 8 lbs 9 oz. LOP: 13-3/4″. PROVENANCE: Copies of factory ledger pages. Biographical info on Joseph Lister, founder of antiseptic surgery, for whom it appears this rifle was made. Richard Schreiber Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain approx 95% orig brown with excellent definition to pattern. Action and lockplates retain 80 – 90% orig case hardening color, silvered on tangs and slightly on beads and fences. Stocks retain most of their orig rubbed oil finish with a number of light marks, dents, and scratches, a bit dry on butt. Henry rifle bores are excellent, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout, with just a hint of frosting near breech end of left bbl. Action is tight. Locks are crisp. A beautiful Scottish rifle. Estimate: $5,000-$8,000

VERY FINE, SCARCE, ORIGINAL CONDITION LEFEVER EE: SN 48880. Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 32″ Bbls with slightly raised, flat, matted rib mounted with two white beads, are engraved “KRUPP” and “FLUID STEEL” on tops. Krupp markings are also on bottoms of bbls. SN is on bottom left bbl. Typical late action with sideplates covering sears, features Lefever’s automatic safety (S engraved), cocking indicators, adjustable trigger pull, nickel-plated double triggers, and usual Lefever ejector system, ball and socket hinge, and cocking hook. Action and lockplates are engraved in typical “E” style with 30% coverage well cut scroll with geometric borders surrounding oval vignettes of nicely engraved dogs on lockplates; a pointer on left and setter on right. “Lefever” “Arms Co” is engraved on each lockplate. A duck is flushing from marsh on trigger guard bow. SN is at grip. Interesting, well marbled, stump grain European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/16″ over old, most likely original, Silver pad, with edges and face cleaned up. Standard point pattern checkering with line borders is at grip. A vacant silver oval is on toe line. Matching splinter forend has usual steel tip, steel escutcheon at

FINE, AS FOUND, WILLIAM EVANS SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN WITH CASE.

center, and usual friction release. Bore diameter: left -.731, right -.730. Bore restrictions: left -.038 (full), right -.040 (full). Minimum wall thickness: left -.032, right -.032. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-11/16″. Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz. LOP: 14-1/16″. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain approx 60 – 70% orig blue, with some flecking and silvering on sharp edges. Bottom rib has an old striation/ scratch running from muzzle to 1″ in front of loop. Action retains approx 70% orig case hardening color, silvered from normal hand wear on fences, beads, and around bottom. Lockplates retain 80 – 90% orig case hardening color, right plate a bit less. There is about 20% color on trigger guard bow. Stocks retain most of their orig finish with butt slightly lightened after pad has been cleaned up. Checkering is lightly worn. Bores are very fine, lightly frosted. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are slightly out of time. There are a number of short stable cracks behind lockplates. A neat old gun with great dimensions. Estimate: $6,500-$9,500

FINE, AS FOUND, WILLIAM EVANS SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN WITH CASE: SN 10120. (Ca 1911)Cal. 12 ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. 30″ Dovetailed steel bbls are engraved “William Evans (From Purdey’s) 63 Pall Mall. St. James’s, London.” on low, concave game rib. Bbl flats are damascened and stamped with London nitro proofs for 1-1/8 oz of shot. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SN. Case hardened sidelock action is stocked to the fences and features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), double triggers, bushed strikers, and screw grip dolls head third fastener. Action and lockplates are engraved with bold, large, open, shaded scroll with acanthus highlights, and an attractive floral and scroll device on lockplates. Action beads are well filed and fences engraved with large shaded scroll somewhat deeper in relief than that on action. Scroll engraved steel trigger guard has relief SN on short tang. Well figured and lightly streaked, dark European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over checkered wood butt, and features drop points, diamond hand, classic point pattern checkering with mullered borders, and a vacant silver oval on toe line.

Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left-.731, right -.730. Bore restrictions: left -.019 (Mod), right -.011 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.033, right -.032. Drop at heel: 2-1/8″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. Maker’s leather case with brass corners is embossed “L. C. C.” and “JUNR” on lid, which also has remnants of numerous shipping labels. Interior is lined in scarlet cloth having gold embossed black Evans label on lid. CONDITION: Excellent, as found, retaining an exceptional amount of what appears to be its orig finish on wood and metal under more than a half century’s accumulation of wiped on oil and dust. Bbl blue appears to be smooth, with only a few rubs through. Case colors appear to be vivid, with silvering only on action beads and fences. Oil finish of stock shows slightly raised grain and a number of minor nicks and dents. Checkering is slightly worn and dirty. Bores are bright and shiny with a hint of frosting. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are slightly out of time. Case leather is dark, crazed, and with considerable amount of top grain lifted. Handle, straps, and retainers are missing. Interior cloth shows considerable insect damage, some mildew. Partitions are tight. Label is excellent. A solid, good handling gun in need of a judicious cleaning. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000

EXCEPTIONAL, NEAR NEW, MANY OPTION L. C. SMITH FIELD GRADE WITH HANG TAG AND BOX. SN FWS38768. Cal. 16 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 28″ Bbls with raised, matted, single sighting plane rib, are marked “L.C. SMITH – 16 GA. – Field – FULTON, N.Y. U.S.A.” on top of right bbl. Bbl flats are stamped with Hunter proofs, SN, and “FIELD 2 3/4 IN CHAMBER”. Typical case hardened featherweight action features automatic safety and Hunter single selective trigger. “L.C. SMITH” is on each lockplate. Trigger blade, selector, and trigger guard are blued. Relatively plain American walnut capped pistol grip stock measures 14″ over ribbed composition buttplate. Flat top point pattern checkering with line borders is at grip. Matching schnabeled beavertail ejector forend has reinforcing bolt and secondary knurled release button in blued oval escutcheon. Drop at heel: 2-11/16″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 14″. Gun is accompanied by its orig yellow hang tag with

correct information penciled in. Brown corrugated cardboard shipping box printed “L.C. SMITH GUNS” on both sides, has blue and white Smith shipping label with destination penciled in, along with railway express label with cost of gun and shipping penciled in. Inner packing box with orig waxed wrappings inside is marked “16 Ga Field” on end. CONDITION: Truly exceptional, essentially as new, appears unfired, with a few very light scratches across rib at rear, and a few light marks in buttstock. Finish on grip cap lifted. There are also a few light marks on trigger guard bow. Bores are excellent. Trigger works. Left ejector is “live” and undoubtedly just a bit gummy from disuse. Hang tag is good, considerably creased and soiled, information legible. Box is fine, some tape lifting, labels lightly foxed and soiled. An unusual, investment quality L. C. Smith. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

March 8, 2015 by Gregg

EDWINSON GREEN 450 #2 N. E.- A REAL DOUBLE RIFLE- EXC PLUS BORES- NEAR EXHIBITION WOOD- 75% ORIGINAL CASE COLORS: #6445, Edwinson Green & Sons, Makers, Cheltenham, England: A Real Double Rifle, Made by the Makers of Jeffery Boxlock Double Rifles, A Very Solid 450 #2 Nitro Express with Excellent Plus Bores that was Made in 1906, 28″ Krupp Steel Extractor Chopper Lump Barrels, Dolls Head Extension, 1/4 rib with 1 standing & 3 folding rear sights, Nitro proved at 75 cordite & 480 grain bullet, No sling eyes, Bushed strikers, No cheekpiece, 14 7/8″ LOP over a 1″ leather pad, Cast-Off for the right hand, The proper and correct 450 #2 Big Bore weight of 11 lbs. 7 oz., 15% coverage of very nice scroll, Near exhibition wood with deep black/brown contrast, The buttstock and forend wood remains extremely solid with a lifetime of game field use left in both the forend and buttstock, The strength to this gun is the excellent plus bores & wood condition, The barrel blue appears totally original at 90%, The buttstock refinished & now at 96%, The checkering is at 98%, The frame has 75% original case colors, The breech face has 90% case colors, The inside of the forend has 99% case colors. This is one extremely solid rifle that remains in excellent condition with excellent plus bores that look new for all intents and purposes. This is real stuff that was owned by one of the best double rifle hunter/shooter enthusiasts in the U.S. It is an accurate double that will shoot 2″ at 50 yards and put both 350 & 480 .458″ diameter bullets into 4″ at 100 yards. All the loading information will be furnished with the purchase. Then top it all off; it has super bores, great condition, points like a dream with the proper cast-off and is offered in one of the greatest English cartridges of all time that shoots .458″ diameter bullets all day long. There are double rifles and then there are serious double rifles. Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder. Some guns depth is a backyard wading pool; this 450 #2 has depth of the ocean./////////////////////////////// Edwinson Charles Green learned his craft in Birmingham and moved to Cheltenham in 1863 and remained active until his death in 1927 at the age of 89. He was very skilled as his patented O/U laid the ground work for the first Purdey O/U. Mr. Ernest Lawrence Sr. was the works manager at Purdey in 1924 and was approached by Mr. Atholl Purdey to build an O/U gun. Mr. Harry Lawrence was then in the factory and he drew from the ideas of Mr. Edwinson Green. He also patented a 3 barrel gun and built a round action nearly identical to the Dickson. Edwinson Green & Sons was still operating as late as 1983. Price: $27,000

F.W. Kessler Very Best Grade .250 Savage Ejector Clam Shell Action Double Rifle: With all the great features and in spectacular condition. F. W. Kessler was known for the highest quality and best workmanship available in his day. The bores of these 27 inch barrels are mint. The barrels retain about 97% original blue except a small blemish, (see photo 14) likely a blood spot, on the right barrel just forward of the rear sights. This rare clam shell action has full coverage of very delicate bouquet and scroll engraving. Original case colors ,in protected areas, are about 99% plus with original 80% fading colors on remaining exposed areas. The stock has excellent figure and finish with a leather covered pad. Checkering is excellent on both stock and forearm. The stock has a beaded cheek rest and the forearm has a horn insert in the tip. The rear sights are 1 standing and 4 folding to 500 yards. The front sight is hooded with a flip up night sight. Just a few additional fine features are a scalloped action ,excellant screws, both triggers set, cocking indicators, sling swivels, rib extention with Greener cross bolt and bushed strikers. Price: $10,950

Francotte Pre-War 16ga 28in BLNE 2 1/2in IM/F: A sweet 5lb 14oz DT 2 1/2in 16ga Francotte BLNE with lots of condition 60-70% case color 95% blue 98% wood 14 in LOP to a horned buttplate. Price: $2,200

PAUL JAEGER 12 GAUGE DOUBLE – HIGH ORIGINAL CONDITION – 4 BITE LOCKUP: Here is a high condition Paul Jaeger 12 gauge double. This interesting gun has FOUR bites – two Purdey style under bites, Greener style cross bolt and a rib extension bite. Early Paul Jaeger, Philadelphia, PA import from Belgium. Gun retains most of original case color. Extractor. Auto safety. Side clips. Mirror bores with .726 measurements. Barrels are 26″ choke Full and Full (40/1000). Chambers are 2 3/4″. Weight of gun is 6 LBS 5 OZ – a great carry weight. Shipping is $40. Stock dimensions: LOP – 14 1/4″, Drop at Comb – 1 3/8″, Drop at Heel – 2 1/4″. Price: $1,450

LC SMITH LONG RANGE IN 12 GAUGE – 30″ BARRELS: Here is the famous LC Smith “Long Range” 12 gauge in Field Grade. Designed for long range waterfowl shooting this gun features 3″ chambers and special chokes. Correct “Long Range” features and markings (see last photo). Mirror 30″ bores as original, Right at .727 with 30/1000 choke (Full) and Left at .728 with 48/1000 choke (Extra Full). Chambers measure 3″ and have correct forcing cones. Barrels ring true with no loose ribs. Gun is tight on face. Case colors in protected areas. Extractors. LC Smith buttplate. Weight is 7 LBS 15 OZ. Beavertail forend. Shipping is $40. Stock dimensions: LOP – 14 1/8″ Drop at Comb – 1 9/16″ Drop at Heel – 2 3/8″ Price: $1,400

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

March 1, 2015 by Gregg

Parker DHE 28ga SxS Skeet Gun (Remington Era): A beautiful RARE 28ga DHE Skeet gun has 26in barrels skeet in /skeet out has a 00 Frame single trigger Beavertail straight english stock to a checkered butt gorgeous wood one mark otherwis mint silver oval no initials 98% easy case colors and blue. Price: $49,000

BERETTA – SO5 / SO3EELL – Hand Detachable Locks – Checkered Butt – Like New: 1970 – 12ga, 26″, IC / IC (.008 / .011), LOP 14-9/16″, Drop 1-7/16 to 2-3/8, Neutral Cast, Weight 6 lbs. 6 oz. 100% Coverage – Hand Engraved. Hand Detachable Sidelock. Gold Crown Inlay. Pierced Top Lever. Hand Filed Rib. Ivory Sights. Single Selective Trigger. Checkered Butt. Excellent weight and chokes for a 12ga Upland Game Gun. Condition is “Like New.” Price: $8,500

LC SMITH Model 5E SXS 12 GA: Serial #205881, 30″ bbls, F&F, 2 1/2″ chambers, Hunter one trigger, Straight Grip, Splinter Forearm, Matted Concave Rib, Casehardened Receiver, Game Scene Cameos Engraving, Vintage Hawkins pad, EXC. Condition, 7#15oz, 1 1/2″ x 2 5/8″ x 14″ with 1/8 cast off. This is a high condition original gun. Price $8,000

A. H. Fox, A Grade, 20 Gauge, Side-by-Side – Gorgeous: 26″ BARRELS, FULL & MODIFIED, 99% BRIGHT BLUE, MIRROR BORES, TWIN IVORY SIGHTS. ATTRACTIVE DEEP CUT ENGRAVING, SOME BOLD VIVID CASE COLOR. ROUND KNOB GRIP STOCK, BEAVERTAIL FOREARM, ABOUT PERFECT WOOD AND CHECKERING, 100% TRIGGER GUARD BLUE. GREAT DIMENSIONS 1 1/2″ X 2 3/8″ X 14″, 6 POUNDS 2 OUNCES. GORGEOUS LITTLE FOX MADE IN 1922. Price: $6,500

ITHACA 1916 FLUES HAMMERLESS 4E GRADE 12GA. 3″ SHOTGUN 98% PLUS ORIGINAL CONDITION: ITHACA 1916 FLUES 4E GRADE HAMMERLESS 12GA. SHOTGUN,S/N 2719XX. 28″ SOLID RIB BARRELS WITH EXCELLENT BORES AND 2 IVORY BEADS.3″ CHAMBERS,CHOKED MODIFIED (.017) CONSTRICTION AND IMPROVED CYLINDER (.007) CONSTRICTION.99% ORIGINAL BARREL BLUE.FIGURED AMERICAN WALNUT WITH BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL FLUE DE LEA CHECKERING WITH BLACK TIP FOREARM,PISTOL GRIP CAP AND GOLD SHIELD.L.O.P. IS 14 1/2″ OVER SOLID RUBBER PAD,D.A.H. IS 2 7/8″ AND D.A.C. IS 1 7/8″ WITH NEUTRAL CAST.GUN WEIGHS 7 LBS. ORIGINAL GOLD DOUBLE TRIGGERS WITHOUT ANY WEAR.GUN LOOKS TO HAVE BEEN FIRED EXTREMELY LITTLE.ENGRAVED RECEIVER WITH 85% PLUS ORIGINAL VIVID CASE COLOR REMAINING,HAS DOG AND BIRD SCENES.A SUPER ORIGINAL CONDITION 4E 1916 12GA. SHOTGUN. Price: $4,250

The story behind this L.C. Smith will tug at your heart….

February 28, 2015 by Gregg

L. C. SMITH- 12 BORE THAT REMAINS as NEW & APPEARS UNFIRED- 98% ORIG COND- 1949- 28" Bbls.- 99% ORIG CASE COLORS — L. C. SMITH- 12 BORE THAT REMAINS as NEW & APPEARS UNFIRED- 98% ORIG COND- 1949- 28″ Bbls.- 99% ORIG CASE COLORS

A double-barrel shotgun is a couple barrels, an action, a trigger or two, some walnut, and a few other parts.

Sometimes, though, it can be a whole lot more, too. While this 12 gauge L.C. Smith Field may look like it’s just a nice SxS with a ton of original condition, the story behind it turns it into a unique treasure that deserves to be cherished:

“The times were hard on the farm in Eastern South Dakota in 1949 but Mom and the kids got $78 together and bought Dad the 12 gauge he always wanted. L. C. Smith #48894 was under the Christmas tree in 1949. Dad was one of the first Americans involved in the Korean War as part of the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 34th Regiment, 24th Division. Dad never returned from the heavy action in Korea and the fall of 1950 before Pheasant season #48894 was oiled and put away, literally forever.”

L. C. SMITH- 12 BORE THAT REMAINS as NEW & APPEARS UNFIRED- 98% ORIG COND- 1949- 28″ Bbls.- 99% ORIG CASE COLORS: #FWS 48894, L.C. Smith Gun Company Field Grade Featherweight 12 Bore Made in 1949 that Remains Almost as New; Original Condition and it Appears Unfired, 28″ Armor Steel Extractor barrels at .732 .028 & .041″ (Imp.Mod. & Full), 2 3/4″chambers, Double Triggers, Splinter forend, Pistol grip stock at 14 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 2 9/16″ over the factory buttplate, 7 lbs. 7 oz. This piece retains 96% original vivid barrel blue, The total original case colors remain at 99% including the top lever, The breech face has 100% case colors, The trigger guard and triggers retain 98% blue, The butt and forend has the original finish and remains at 99% with a few very light handling marks only, The checkering remains at 100%, The trigger faces have 100% blue, The barrels inside are literally new, The left barrel has an area of surface corrosion about the size of 2 pencil erasers, The very toe of the buttplate has a 3/16″ piece missing, I do believe the piece was never fired. Here is almost like buying it new in 1949, they don’t get much better condition than this piece.

The times were hard on the farm in Eastern South Dakota in 1949 but Mom and the kids got $78 together and bought Dad the 12 gauge he always wanted. L. C. Smith #48894 was under the Christmas tree in 1949. Dad was one of the first Americans involved in the Korean War as part of the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 34th Regiment, 24th Division. Dad never returned from the heavy action in Korea and the fall of 1950 before Pheasant season #48894 was oiled and put away, literally forever. If only guns could talk! Price: $2,495

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

February 22, 2015February 22, 2015 by Gregg

HOLLAND & HOLLAND, SELF OPENER BREVIS 12GA SHOTGUN: S/S, WITH HAND DETACHABLE LOCKS, 1930 MFG DATE, HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL SCROLL WITH CASE COLORS, 98% ORIGINAL, 26 1/2″ CHOPPER LUMP BBLS, 2 1/2″, CHOKED 1/4, 1/2, STANDARD GAME RIB, EJECTORS, DBL TRIGGERS WITH HIGHLY FIGURED WALNUT, ST/SP, LOP 14 1/2 TO CK BUTT, 1 3/8, 2 1/8, CAST OFF 1/4, 6LBS 3OZ, ORIGINAL MAKER’S CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, INCLUDES ORIGINAL EXTRA PINS IN IVORY, ONE OF THE VERY BEST , ALL ORIGINAL CONDITION, RETAINS NEAR ALL CASE COLORS, ORIGINAL BLUE & STOCK FINISH! Price: $36,750

LEBEAU COURALLY GRAND LUXE SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE: MADE 1972 ROUND ACTION SIDELOCK 27 1/2″ 007 AND 016 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CHECKERED BUTT EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION 6LBS 9 OZ X 2 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 14 3/4 Price: $25,000

A.H. FOX XE 12 GAUGE SxS SHOTGUN: #22XXX PHILADELPHIA GUN 30″ FULL AND FULL 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP LIKE NEW ORIGINAL CONDITION 7LBS 2 OZ X 3 X 2 X 14 Price: $17,500

A.H FOX XE 12 GAUGE SxS American Shotgun

WINCHESTER – Model 21 – 12ga – 30″ M / F – – RARE – Double Trigger – Ejector – Splinter: 1932 – Winchester Model 21 – 12ga, 2-3/4″, 30″, Mod / Full (.010 / .034), Pistol Grip, Splinter Forearm, Double Triggers, Ejectors, Automatic Safety, LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-5/8″ to 2-5/8″, Weight 7 lbs. 4 oz. Excellent Condition. Appears to be original finishes – at about 92% overall. Bores are excellent. Price: $4,750

LC SMITH LONG RANGE 12 GAUGE WITH 30″ BARRELS – 3″ ORIGINAL CHAMBERS – FIELD GRADE: Here is the famous LC Smith “Long Range” 12 gauge in Field Grade. Designed for long range waterfowl shooting this gun features 3″ chambers and special chokes. Correct “Long Range” features and markings (see last photo). Mirror 30″ bores as original, Right at .727 with 30/1000 choke (Full) and Left at .728 with 48/1000 choke (Extra Full). Chambers measure 3″ and have correct forcing cones. Barrels ring true with no loose ribs. Gun is tight on face. Case colors in protected areas. Extractors. LC Smith buttplate. Weight is 7 LBS 15 OZ. Beavertail forend. LOP – 14 1/8″, Drop at Comb – 1 9/16″, Drop at Heel – 2 3/8″. Price: $1,650

Auction alert: a rare & nice 12 gauge L.C. Smith No. 5…

February 12, 2015 by Gregg

LC Smith Number 5 Unrestored Unmolested Original Matching #s Elsie 5, Mfg 1903*No Reserve* Very Rare

Here’s a great looking American double that’s very hard to find. It’s an L.C. Smith No. 5, and it looks like it’s in excellent original condition. Best of all, it’s on Gunbroker.com now at no reserve. The listing ends Thursday, 2/12/2015, @ 5:30:45 PM ET – so if you like what you see, you’ve got to move right away.

The No. 5 was L.C. Smith upper middle grade gun, comparable in cost to a Parker DHE or CHE (even though the L.C. has much finer engraving). Hunter Arms built them from 1894-1912, and in all, they made just 523. Every one was made to order, so engraving patterns vary a bit by shotgun.

From the L.C. Smith collector’s website:

“Our No. 5 Smith Gun meets the views of the patron who is in need of a gun handsomely finished and elaborately engraved. We embody in this gun much of beauty. This grade has always stood well ahead”

LC Smith Number 5 Unrestored Unmolested Original Matching #s Elsie 5, Mfg 1903*No Reserve* Very Rare: 12 gauge, 30″ bbls I have a 1903 Elsie number 5 that has been in the gun safe for years and is now time for some else to enjoy her! This gun is matching numbers, original number 5. The silver receiver is in excellent if not perfect condition, the butt stock has a couple minor scratches with no cracks top or bottom which is rare for this gun. The fore stock is in excellent condition and locks the gun up tight and allows for the ejectors to work. The Damascus Barrels very bright and shiny and are in great shape with a small repairable rap about 1/4″ round located 6 inches from the end of the left barrel.

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

February 1, 2015 by Gregg

Abbiatico & Salvinelli Best Quality Side Lock in 28 gauge: With 27″ smooth game rib barrels choked IC&M . Straight grip stock of outstanding light walnut with vivid black streaking in both sides. Matching splinter forend. LOP 14 1/2 over checkered butt. Beautiful and very fine full coverage english scroll engraving signed by master engraver Goldani. Gun is in 98% condition and is cased in it’s original trunk case. Price: $15,995

Mortimer and Sons .450 3 1/4 BPE: This is a original, mechanically sound double rifle, with Jones underlever chambered for the .450 3 1/4″ BPE. It has a 27 3/4″ barrels with full length file cut rib and three rear sight leaves, one fixed at 100,and two folding at 200 and 300 yards. The Henry

Mortimer and Sons .450 3 1/4 BPE Side-by-Side Double Rifle

rifling in both barrels is very good with a teeny bit of pitting in each. There is very generous engraving on the action and lock plates and it is sharp with some color remaining in protected areas. The fore end has a lever style release and across the steel butt plate is written, “charge 120 grains”. The length of pull is 14 5/8″ and it tips the scales at a fraction under 9lbs. The only known defects are a 1/2″ crack in the heal of the stock just in front of the widow’s peak of the buttplate and a one inch sliver missing from the fore end, both of which are pictured and why I’m not asking $7500. The stock has what I believe to be original finish, the checkering is very good, with handling marks comensurate to a rifle this old. Overall, a very nice example of a fine Scottish double rifle. Price: $6,850

Merkel 447SL – Side Lock Ejector – 16ga, 28″, M/F, Raised Solid Rib, English Stock, Checkered Butt, Splinter Forearm: Price: $5,500.

http://www.gunsinternational.com/Merkel-447-SL-16ga-28-English-Stock-Double-Triggers-Side-Lock-Ejector. Merkel - - 447 SL - 16ga - 28" - English Stock, Double Triggers - Side Lock Ejector cfm?gun_id=100524833 — Merkel – – 447 SL – 16ga – 28″ – English Stock, Double Triggers – Side Lock Ejector

1903 LC Smith No. 3 12G SxS Shotgun: Very nice 1903 year manufacture L.C. Smith with chain damascus 30″ barrels. Faint case color. Original factory engraving with grade 3 oval on each sideplate. All original with factory straight stock. Solid gun in very good condition. Lever is in center position. Price: $2250

Rizzini, Omnium Small, 28 Ga. O/U Shotgun:Price: $1,849.98

Manufacturer:	SN: 86XXX
Caliber:	28 Gauge
Chambers:	2 3/4
Metal Condition:	Very good
Wood Condition:	Very good with few handling marks
Bore Condition:	Clean and bright
Barrels:	28″ vent rib
Triggers:	Single
Stock:	Checkered hardwood
Stock Dimensions:	LOP: 14 5/8
Fore End:	Checkered hardwood with schnabel
Butt Pad:	Rizzini ribbed wooden plate
Weight:	5 lbs., 8 oz.
Sights:	Front bead
Chokes:	Screw in tubes
Extras:	Comes with 3 extra choke tubes, tube wrench, hard case and manual.

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

October 20, 2014 by Gregg

PARKER BHE TRAP VENT RIB 12 GAUGE: #207XXX #1 FRAME 32″ VENT RIB FULL AND FULL 2 3/4 SINGLE SELECT TRIGGER EJECTORS BEAVER TAIL FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH CASE COLORS 8LBS 7 OZ X 2 1/4 X 1 7/8 X 14 1/2. Price: $16,500

ULTRA RARE 20 GAUGE WINCHESTER MODEL 21 TWO BARREL SET: Made in 1933 and everything letters. Both sets of barrels are 26″ in length, one set is imp cyl/mod the other is skeet/skeet. Winchester recoil pad. Overall this gun will go 95% on wood and metal. Price: $13,950

WEBLEY & SCOTT 12’s- SET of 3 EACH MOD 702’s- ALL- 28″ Bbls.- 1974- OVERALL in 88% COND.- STRAIGHT STOCK at 15 1/8: #143885 & 143886 & 144150, Webley & Scott, Birmingham: A Trio (3 each) of 12 Bore Game Guns in Model 702 Made in 1974 with 28″ Ejector Dovetail Lump barrels, #1 at .730 .012 & .038″ (Imp.Cyl. & Full), 2 3/4″; #2 at .730 .012 & .040″ (Imp.Cyl. & Full), 2 3/4″; #3 at .730 .009 & .031″ (Imp.Cyl. & Imp.Mod.), 2 3/4″; Standard concave game ribs, Nitro Proved at 3 1/4 tons per square inch, Double triggers, Splinter forend with an Anson release, Straight hand stocks at 15 1/8 x 1 7/16 x 2 3/8″ over a 1″ pad, Very slight cast-off for the right hand, All 3 right at 6 lbs. 9 oz., 90% coverage of period scroll engraving, The original barrel blue on all 3 would average out at 88-90%, The 3 average about 90% original bright & vivid case colors, The stock finish comes out at 88%, The checkering overall at 95%, Each gun has a leather cheek face installed for a right hand shooter, Every bore is bright & shiny and in excellent condition but there are a few very minor dings in a couple of the barrels, Each gun is numbered 1 – 3 in Gold on the toplever. These guns belonged to a very Sporting Lady in Spain and were used to shoot driven Red-Legged Partridge in Spain. You can buy all 3 for $5950, or we will sell the #3 gun for $2250. Price: $5,950

L.C.SMITH SPECIALTY 16 GAUGE FEATHERWEIGHT-ENGLISH STOCK RARE: sn218189E, Ejectors, Hunter One trigger, 26″bbls, choked sk1 and sk2. Mfg in 1914, one of only 691 manufactured between 1913-1950, and is even more unusual in the straight stock configuration.This gun is in excellent condition and would be a fine collectors piece and /or field gun. It shows light wear, has mirror bores, and the ejectors are in perfect working order. The stock is 141/4″LOP, cast off for the right hand, and is a nicely figured piece of wood with crisp checkering. The action is tight and there are double ivory beads on the barrels. An overall nice piece that will gain value and will be a pleasure to handle. Price: $5,600

Westley Richards Pigeon Side by Side 12GA 28″: Chokes (FULL/EXTRA FULL) barrels, case-colored action with single selective trigger. Prince of Wales pistol grip stock, splinter forend. About 60% of factory case-color hardening remains, minor bluing wear and handling marks in stock. Probably a live pigeon gun, tight bores and heavy barrels. Built between 1906-1915 . Sold without case. Price: $4,995

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

August 10, 2014 by Gregg

A.H. Fox SERIAL NUMBER 29!!! C Grade Yes, Serial # 29: This A.H. Fox shotgun is actually serial number 29… the twenty ninth gun made in the very first days/weeks of production. We can be quite sure that Ansley had his hands on this gun!! This is the earliest A.H. Fox serial number that I have ever seen AND it is in the handsome C grade. This gun is very tight and mechanically sound… a testimonial to the wonderful Fox design. Gorgeous walnut stock & forend with strong grain, color and figure. Leather-faced buttpad has be replaced but it was done long ago. Checkering is sharp and appears nicely recut. Excellent dimensions 14 3/8″ LOP 1 1/2″ DAC 2 3/8″ DAH. This gun is treated to the earliest style of C engraving which is nearly all flowing scrollwork. Dog on bottom, birds on breechballs and trigger bow. Engraving remains sharp and clear. This gun has 30″ Krupp steel barrels. This barrels are in perfect condition inside and out. No dings, dents or pitting. RT 731 bore 44k choke 36kMWT. LFT 732 bore 42k choke 37kMWT. Barrels ring true. 96% deep rich blue. Engraving wedges at breech. Double triggers are both crisp, extractors (this gun made before auto-ejectors on a Fox) non-automatic safety. Price: $8995

BERETTA Model SO4 International Trap O/U 12 GA: Barrel Length (in Inches)29-1/2 (75cm), Chokes IM / F, SST (Single Selective), Pistol Grip, Semi Beaver Tail Forearm, Vent Rib, Coin Finish Receiver, Scroll Border EngravingVG Plus Condition. Weight Description8lb 1o oz. Dimensions 1 3/8 x 1 3/8 x 14 3/8 with 1/4 cast off Price: $6,995

RBL 20 GAUGE SELF OPENER DOUBLE TRIGGER 28: Very nice RBL 20 gauge with double trigger and 28″ barrels with choke tubes. Straight English grip 14 3/4 LOP DAC 1 1/2 DAH 2 1/2 with self opener. This gun has been fired but is still almost new. Sorry no case so priced two sell at $3350.00 3 day inspection S & I is $47.00 will trade. Contact Bud 509-465-8406 for more information. Price: $3350

MERKEL, O/U, Model 200E, 20 GA: 28”, IC& M, DT, Pistol Grip, 3-piece Forened, Solid Rib, Scroll Border Engraving, Casehardened Receiver, Pad, Butt has been extended in Germany with very nice oak leaf carving on extention, Early 1950’s gun, Dimensions 1 1/2 x 2 5/8 x 14 5/8 with 3/8 cast off, Weight 6#1oz, 2 3/4″ chambers, ID 3844, EXC. Condition. Price: $3,000

L.C. Smith “O” Grade 16 Gauge SxS Shotgun: 1899 GUN, 70% CASE COLOR, CONDITION: LC Smith, Year 1899, 16 Gauge, 6lbs 14oz, Side by Side. Serial Number: 60594

The L.C. Smith “O” Grade was a step above the Field Grade that came out in 1913 from Hunter Arms (replacing the pre-1913 “OO” Grade) in that it had a bit nicer wood and checkering, a black ebony inlay in the forend tip, and in 1899, the year this gun was produced, a set of nice damascus steel barrels. This gun, sn60594, is in remarkable condition for its 115 years of age, with lots of case color, perfect screws, perfect wood to metal fit, nicely figured European walnut (book says English walnut, looks like French to me), factory original checkering is excellent, 30″ damascus barrels that still retain 98% of their original black and white pattern, no cracks anywhere, full length butt stock to the factory butt plate, and tight as new mechanically. With the long barrels and 1/2 round pistol grip, this is a great sporting clays or upland gun, and weighing 6lbs. 14oz. is not too heavy to carry all day.

Barrel Length: 30″, Chokes: .028/.026 F/F, Bores: very good, Bore Diameter: .646/.648, Wall Thickness: .031/.028, Blue: 95% damascus, Chambers: 2 5/8″, Ribs: tight, Sights: single, Ejectors or Extractors: extractors, Case Color: 85% faded, Screws: perfect, Trigger Type: double, crisp
Trigger Guard Color: 60%, Stock Type: 1/2 round grip / splinter forend , LOP: 14 3/8″, LOP To End Of Wood: 14 1/8″, DAH: 2 7/8″, DAC: 1 5/8″, Cast: 0, Checkering Condition: excellent, Butt Treatment: factory plate. Pr

Auction alert: Parker, L.C. Smiths, Brownings, & more…

July 18, 2014 by Gregg

Morphy Auctions in Lancaster, PA, is having a firearms auction tomorrow, Saturday, July 19, 2014 @ 9:00 AM Eastern. The sale has a lot of shotguns in it, including some nice doubles. Here are a couple that caught my eye.

NOTE: I tried talking to these guys about about a couple side by sides. Their knowledge of double-barrel shotguns is limited, so I would be careful with the descriptions — especially if you’re bidding blind.

Lot 563: L.C. Smith Field Hammer 16 Gauge Shotgun: Serial No. 156982 matching. Barrel length 28″. Side by side. Chamber length 2 – 3/4″. Choke dimension 1M, full. Length of pull 14 – 1/4″. Rare Gun! Royal steel barrels with mirror bores. Gun actually shows little use 40% case color. 90% thinning blue if the wood was refinished it was well-done. Most finish loss is due to age and storage. Original butt plate. Condition (Very Good). Est: $500 – $800.

Lot 565: Parker D Grade Hammer 10 Gauge Shotgun: Serial No. 39077 matching. Barrel length 32″. Side by side. Chamber length 2 – 7/8″. Choke dimension .25 .030. Length of pull 14 – 3/8″ to DHBP. Pitted bores. .035 wall thickness may allow for enough to clean up. Brown patina on all metal. Worn checkering. Could use some tender love and care. Condition (Good). Est: $500 – $800.

Lot 569: L.C. Smith Field Featherweight 16 Gauge Shotgun: Serial No. FW58545. Barrel length 26″. Side by side. Chamber length 2 – 3/4″. Choke dimension IC and MOP. Length of pull 14″. Drop on heel 2 – 1/2″. All original gun, case color and blue strong. The only nick is a flaking factory varnish. Condition (Fine). Est: $400 – $700.

Lot 574: Fox Sterlingworth Ejector 12 Gauge Shotgun: Serial No. 73670. Barrel 28″. Side by side. Chamber length 2 – 5/8″. Choke dimension 1C MOD. Length of pull 14 – 1/8″. 85% Thinning blue and case color in protected areas. Stock and trigger guard refinished, tight lock up, mirror bores. Condition (Very Good). Est: $450 – $650.

Lot 581: Parker Reproduction DHE 20 Gauge Shotgun: Serial No. 20-04194. Barrel length 28″. Side by side. Choke dimension 1C/ MOD. Single trigger. Two barrel set. English grip. Appears to have limited use. Close to new in box. Has box. Condition (Excellent). Est: $3000 – $4000

Lot 583: Baker Batavia Leader 20 Gauge Shotgun: Serial No. 3417F matching. Side by side. Chamber length 2 – 1/2″. Choke dimension MOD, 1MP.MOD. Length of pull 14 – 3/8″. Rare 20 gauge example!! Gun has fading case color and 90% thinning blue. Tight lock-up 80% varnish on wood. Condition (Very Good Plus). Est: $600 – $900

Lot 585: Nowotny SLE Shotgun: Serial No. 15496. Barrel length 28 – 3/8″. Chamber length 3″. Choke dimension full and full. Wall thickness .030+. Length of pull 14 – 5/16″. Drop on heel 1 – 5/8″. Nitro proof, coin finish, no import marks. Great engraving, ejectors, having great dimensions. Gun show only careful use. Condition (Excellent). Est: $2500 – $4000

Lot 591: Browning BSS 20 Gauge Shotgun: Serial No. 4010B37. Barrel length 28″. Side by side. Chamber length 3″. Choke dimensions mod full. Gun shows only limited use. Condition (Fine). Est: $700 – $900

A great looking grouse gun: an L.C. Smith No. 00 20g gauge…

July 16, 2014 by Gregg

L C SMITH, HUNTER ARMS, OO GRADE 20 GAUGE

I’ve always like L.C. Smiths. While Parkers and Foxes are nice shotguns, I like the looks of a SxS with sidelocks. L.C. Smith was the only major American maker to build sidelocks, and today I think these guns are some of the best deals out there. While Parkers keep going up in price, and people are paying more and more for smallbore Foxes, you can still buy a nice LC for under $2000.

This 20g LC is a No. OO grade. From 1896 to 1913, the No. OO was LC’s entry level double. According to the LC Smith Collectors site, Hunter Arm’s 1900 catalog called the OO “A thoroughly reliable gun at a price within the reach of all. The new Armour Steel barrels are plain, but will stand the severest strain of nitro powder. English walnut stock; half pistol grip; checkered and well finished . . .” LC Smith made over 47,000 No. OOs. Of those, 3,382 were 20 gauges.

L C SMITH, HUNTER ARMS, OO GRADE 20 GAUGE: 26″ BARRELS, MODIFIED AND FULL. EXCELLENT BLUE, MIRROR BORES. FEATHERWEIGHT FRAME, LIGHT CASE COLOR. ROUND KNOB GRIP, SPLINTER FOREARM, SHARP CHECKERING, EXCELLENT WOOD. ORIGINAL BUTTPLATE, 1 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ X 14″, 5 POUNDS 8 OUNCES. GREAT LITTLE LIGHTWEIGHT GROUSE GUN MADE IN 1911. Price: $1,750.00

Auction alert: L.C. Smith Crown, Parker AHE & VHE, Fox XE, Winchester 21s..

July 14, 2014July 13, 2014 by Gregg

Alderfer Auction & Appraisal in Hatfield, PA, is having a firearms sale tomorrow, July 15, 2014, @12:00 PM EST. If you’re into American side-by-sides, this is a sale you’ll want to check out. There are nice guns by L.C. Smith, Parker Bros., A.H. Fox, Winchesters, and Ithaca. Here are a few of the ones that caught my eye:

20g LC Smith Crown Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 120: LC Smith Crown Grade side by side double barrel shotgun: 20 ga. 26″ bbls. IM/Full chokes. SN 6421E. Blued finish on barrels, ejectors, Hunter Selective single trigger, full case colored receiver and locks, side locks are highly engraved with game dog scenes, excellent bores, white bead front and middle sights, middle bead is slightly worn, checkered walnut stock and forend show little to no handling marks, rubber buttplate, top of barrel rib is checkered and is stamped “Made to Order by the Fulton Arms Co Fulton NY”. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .620, left – .619. Bore restrictions: right – .020, left – .022. Chambers: 2-1/2″. Drop at comb: 1-5/8″, drop at heel: 2-3/4″. Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 13-5/16″ over 1″ silvers type pad. Estimated Price: $15,000 – $20,000

Lot 121: Parker Bros DHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 20 ga. 32″ bbls. Full/Full chokes. SN 222427. Blued finish on barrels, excellent bores, full case colored engraved receiver showing hunting dog on both sides, ejectors, double triggers, steel bead front sight, white bead middle sight, engraved barrel rib is stamped “Parker Bros Makers Merideth CT USA Titanic Steel”, walnut stock and forend show little to no handling marks, Parker Bros marked black pistol grip cap, leather buttpad. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .622, left – .622. Bore restrictions: right – .027, left – .026. Chambers: 2-3/4″. Drop at comb: 1-5/8″, drop at heel: 2-5/8″. Weight: 6 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14-5/16″ over 1-1/4″ leather covered pad. Estimated Price: $6,000 – $10,000

20g Parker Bros BHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 122: Parker Bros BHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 20 ga. 25-7/8″ bbls. Skeet/IM chokes. SN 166563. Reblued finish on barrels, barrels have been shortened by a little bit, single bead steel front sight, nearly full case colored receiver, receiver is highly engraved with a pair of hunting dogs on both sides, bores are slightly dirty but look good, double triggers, straight grip checkered walnut stock and forend show very minor handling marks, barrel rib is stamped “Parker Bros Makers Meriden Conn ACME Steel”, original skeleton buttplate. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .625, left – .628. Bore restrictions: right – .004, left – .021. Chambers: 2-3/4″. Drop at comb: 1-7/8″, drop at heel: 3-1/2″. Weight: 5 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14″ over skeleton butt. Estimated Price: $12,000 – $16,000

28g Parker Bros AHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 123: Parker Bros AHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 28 ga. 26″ bbls. Modified/Full chokes. SN 188861. Original blued finish on metal, over 70% original case color, “00” frame, some very small spots of light oxidation on underside of receiver, checkered walnut stock and forend show handling marks with a few being deep, receiver shows quail game scene on left side and pheasant scene on right, underside engraving shows hunting dog, barrel rib is stamped “Parker Bros Makers Meriden Conn ACME Steel”, lever mechanism sometimes sticks preventing the gun from closing, simply pushing lever to the right allows gun to close, single steel bead front sight, double triggers, skeleton buttplate. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .560, left – .556. Bore restrictions: right – .016, left – .023. Chambers: 2-1/2″. Drop at comb: 1-5/8″, drop at heel: 2-5/8″. Weight: 5 lbs. 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/16″ over skeleton buttplate. Estimated Price: $30,000 – $40,000

Lot 125: AH Fox XE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 12 ga. 30″ bbls. Modified/Full chokes. SN 25397. Blued finish on barrels, excellent bores, Kautzky single selective trigger, white bead front and middle sights, highly engraved receiver shows grouse scene on left side, duck scene on right and a fox scene on underside, approximately 40% of case color remaining, checkered walnut stock shows little to no handling marks, right side of stock does have a small stress crack just behind receiver, appears to be restocked but the forearm appears to be original, after market rubber buttpad. Slight dent in left barrel forward of forend. Left side barrel is stamped “Made by AH Fox Gun Co Phila PA USA”, right side barrel is stamped “Chromox Fluid Compressed Steel”. All serial numbers match. Bore diameter: right – .731, left – .730. Bore restrictions: right – .023, left – .039. Chambers: 2-1/2″. Drop at comb: 2″, drop at heel: 3-1/8″. Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 14″ over 1″ Old English pad. Very good. Estimated Price: $3,000 – $5,000

28g Parker Bros VHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

Lot 137: Parker Bros VHE Grade side by side double barrel shotgun. 28 ga. 26″ bbls. Skeet/M chokes. SN 145394. Blued finish on barrels, little to no case color left on receiver, newer checkered walnut stock by Remington and forend show little to no handling marks, bores are slightly dirty but look good, double triggers, steel bead front sight, black pistol-grip cap has the engraved name of prior owner, checkered black plastic buttplate is intact. All serial numbers match. Barrel rib is stamped “Parker Brothers Makers Meriden Conn Vulcan Steel”. Bore diameter: right – .556, left – .559. Bore restrictions: right – .004, left – .012. Chambers: 2-3/4″. Weight: 6 lbs. 10 oz. 0 Frame. Excellent. Estimated Price: $6,000 – $12,000

Lot 138: Ithaca Grade 4E side by side double barrel shotgun. 16 ga. 30″ bbls. Full/Modified chokes. SN 326745. Blued finish on metal, full case colored receiver, receiver shows a few small areas of light freckling, bores are very dirty, underside of barrel shows an area where the factory sling attachment has been removed and stock shows a hole where the sling stud would have been, double triggers have an oxidized green finish, checkered walnut stock and forend show handling marks, factory black plastic buttplate shows minor chips. All serial numbers match. Estimated Price: $500 – $900

Hard to find American classics: 16g L.C. Smith 2E & a 20g A.H. Fox CE…

June 14, 2014June 14, 2014 by Gregg

Even though the doubles you see here don’t look related, they share a feature that makes them cousins, or maybe even step brothers.

This feature is the rotary-fastening top bolt. The rotary-fastening top bolt was invented by Alexander T. Brown in 1883. A year later it found its first use on the side-by-side shotguns made built by a company owned by Lyman Cornelius Smith. The guns built by A.H Fox used a similar rotary-fastening top bolt, although the rest of Ansley’s shotguns are much different.

I’ve always like L.C. Smiths. I think they’re just as nice as Foxes — especially LCs like the 16 gauge below.

LC Smith 16 GA, grade 2E SxS Shotgun: 28″ barrels that are choked full right and full left. Both bores are .661. Barrels are 80-85% original blue. Checkering is sharp and un-damaged. Engraving is sharp and clear, original case color remains at about 20% or so. The gun has great ejectors. Capped pistol grip stock with splinter fore-end. LOP is 14 1/2″ to a 1-1/4″ Whiteline pad. DAC 1 3/4, DAH 2 1/2. It has a 3 position safety. Manufactured in 1906. Price: $2,950

This 20g Fox CE is a hard gun to find. Fox made just 413 C-grades in 20 gauge. The first one (CE #200,011) left the factory on September 17, 1912 . This one was built 11 years later in 1923. While its price seems high, it’s not crazy. A minty, original one like this is worth $18,000+.

A.H. Fox CE Grade 20ga Double Barrel Shotgun: 26″ barrels with Improved Cylinder & Modified chokes. Ejectors, single trigger, 14-3/8″ LOP, 5-3/4 pounds. Serial number 202010, 85% original barrel blue, outstanding wood & receiver with crisp engraving. Tight action, mint bores, a very nice high grade Fox 20ga. Price $11,950

Last minute alert: Vintage American SxS shotguns going off today…

May 24, 2014May 24, 2014 by Gregg

Here’s an auction just found out about. It’s full of vintage American double barrel shotguns – Lefevers, L.C. Smith, Parkers, Foxes, etc – and some look real nice. Z B Barfield in Hallwood, VA, is having the sale and it starts today @ 11:30 AM EST. Below are some of the SxSs that caught my eye. BTW: this is a very buyer-beware sale. The descriptions of the guns are awful, and the pics are worse. Be careful if you’re bidding blind.

Lot 241: Lefever double barrel 10ga shotgun Damascus Barrel length 32in Length of pull 14in SN 13593

Lot 243: Lefever double barrel 12ga shotgun Steel barrel length 28in Length of pull 13.5in SN 59491G

Lot 249: Lefever double barrel 20ga shotgun Steel barrel Length 28in Length of pull 13 3/4in SN 60029

Lot 300: L.C.Smith double barrel Crown Grade 12ga Highly engraved 30in steel barrel length of pull14in SN 68025

Lot 310: Iver Johnson Skeeter .410ga barrel length 28in length of pull 14.25in SN 25593

Lot 314: Iver Johnson Hercules grade 20ga barrel length 28in length of pull 14in SN 24152

Lot 361: Ithaca 20ga w 28in steel barrel length of pull14in SN 469973

Lot 363: Ansley Fox 12ga w 32in steel barrel length of pull 14in SN 19419 BE Grade

Is this the finest L.C. Smith .410 Field Featherweight around?

March 3, 2014 by Gregg

.410 L.C. Smith Field Featherweight Shotgun

If you collect small bore L.C. Smiths, here’s one that will get your hear pounding. It’s a .410 L.C. Smith Field Grade, and it appears to be in pristine original condition. Its on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends on 3/9/2014 @ 8:30:00 PM ET.

L.C. Smith shipped their first .410 in October of 1926. According to the L.C. Smith Collector’s Association website, this gun was made soon after in 1927. In all the company made 2,665 .410s — 2,509 in the Field grade.

L.C. Smith made Field grades 1912 – 1950. They were the company’s least expensive guns and L.C. Smith advertised them as “…especially designed for those requiring a cheap, sound and plainly finished weapon. It is particularly useful for field and marsh where rough usage is required.” It looks like this .410 never saw that rough usage.

.410 L.C. Smith Field Featherweight Shotgun.410 L.C. Smith Field Featherweight Shotgun — .410 L.C. Smith Field Featherweight Shotgun

L.C. Smith FeatherWeight Field shotgun in .410 Ga.: Original 26″ barrels choked Full/Full. The blue, vivid case colors and stock varnish are all original! Not Restored! This shotgun is as it was shipped out in 1927! Don’t be fooled by the flat top checkering, that is Not wear! That was how L.C. Smith checkered a field grade gun back then! And that stock is in spectacular condition! There are however some cloth pattern “imprints” in the varnish. This gun was wrapped in cloth and stored for many years. It was a closet find that recently surfaced in my area! There is also a repair on the forearm tip area. Near impossible to see, looks like a dark grain line! No other cracks anywhere and very few handling marks, this sweetheart is very, very little fired and little used! Still has the original butt plate as well!

Action is smooth and tight just like a new gun! Lever is to the right. The bores are perfect, mirror bright and no dents. The Chambers are 2 1/2″. This gun was stored so long, I had my gunsmith inspect and test fire it, and it shoots just great! The barrel blue is original, thick and rich, just a hint of wear at the muzzles and some tiny marks and blems near the chambers! The original Niter blue on the trigger guard is wonderful, and there is no wear at the tang area! The receiver case colors are original from 1927! There are a very few and scattered blems and speckles, nothing big or bad! The weight of this wonderful LC Smith .410 is 5lb 8oz., LOP is 14 1/4″, Drop is 2 1/2″.

Wow – amost 80 years old and brand new…

January 13, 2014 by Gregg

L. C. SMITH, HUNTER ARMS, FIELD GRADE 12 GAUGE

Vintage, Field-grade doubles are not the kind of guns you usually come across today in minty, all original condition. As you can imagine, most of the guns were bought to be used, and they saw many, many days in hard hunting.

That’s what makes this 12g L.C. Smith Field so unique. Made in 1936 – well into the Great Depression, six years before we would enter World War II – it’s basically brand new.

A couple things about its original finish impress me: the boldness of the color-case hardening and the finish on the wood. The price is very fair, too.

L. C. SMITH, HUNTER ARMS, FIELD GRADE 12 GAUGE: 28″ BARRELS, IC & MOD., 100% BLUE, 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS, PERFECT BORES. FEATHERWEIGHT FRAME, 100% BOLD VIVID CASE COLOR. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, ORIGINAL BUTTPLATE AND GRIP CAP, 100% VARNISH, UNTURNED SCREWS, 1 1/2″ X 2 3/4″ X 14″, WEIGHS 6# 14 OZ. ABSOLUTELY 100% ORIGINAL FINISH ON ALL SURFACES. NO BLEMISHES OF ANY KIND, ANYWHERE. MADE IN 1936. Price: $1,850.00

This week’s good guns: powered by Gunsinternational.com…

January 5, 2014 by Gregg

Matched Pair Westley Richards Droplocks w/hinged floor plate – 12 ga: 28 inch barrels, S.S.T., auto ejectors, both are choked I/C and I/C. LOP 14″. The barrel flats are stamped with 2 3/4″, 3 1/4 ton, 1 1/8 oz . Made in 1912 according to Griffin & Howe. Triggers and ejectors work well. One trigger guard has a Pointer engraved; the other a Setter. Both have a little cast off of 1/8 – 3/16″. Stocks have leather pads. The dimensions are: #1 DAC 1 5/8, DAH 2 1/8, Weight 6 lbs 8 ozs., #2: DAC 1 1/2, DAH 2 1/8, Weight 6 lbs 8 ozs. Price: $19,600

Holland & Holland Top Lever Hammer 450 BPE SxS Rifle: Circa. 1886. SN: 8772. Steel Barrels are Proofed: 52 Cordite – 365 Bullet. Exceptional overall condition. Bores appear, as new , in virtually unused condition. Action is total sound. Case colors and blue remain in very rich color. This would be a pleasant rifle to shoot and hunt with. Rare find in this condition. Barrels: 26″, Fluid Steel, Stock well Figured French Walnut Butt Horn L.O.P. 14 1/2″ Weight 7 lbs. 13.3 oz Price $16,500

Holland & Holland Top Lever 450 3 14" BPE Circa. 1886. — Holland & Holland Top Lever 450 3 14″ BPE Circa. 1886.

A.H Fox , Sterlingworth, 20ga., 30” Barrels, choked IM/F: 100% case color, 99% blue, and wood finish. Small handling marks. Original pad that has been deteriorated from sitting in a rack. Twin ivory sights, ultra rare barrel length. This gun is near perfect Philadelphia, PA gun, no excuses, right out of the woodwork, virgin gun. 14 ¼” x 1 ½” x 2 ¾”. 6 lbs 5oz. Price: $5,500

L.C. SMITH, IDEAL 20GA 28″ BARREL: Double Triggers, Case Color on Receiver is 90%+, Barrel Blue is 85%+, Both Screw Heads on Side-plate, are slightly damaged. This gun was Made in 1936, and we believe this is a “Standard Weight Frame”, Only 22 standard weight frame 20GA Ideal’s were ever made. London Steel Barrels, most likely Mod/Full. Wood is 95% and has very few handling marks. Grip Cap, and Butt Plate excellent. Price: $3300

L.C. SMITH, IDEAL GRADE, 20 GA, 28" BARREL — L.C. SMITH, IDEAL GRADE, 20 GA, 28″ BARREL

B. Rizzini Artemis Classic 20 ga, 28" O/U shotgun — B. Rizzini Artemis Classic 20 ga, 28″ O/U shotgun

B. Rizzini Artemis Classic 20 ga, 28″ O/U: This gun is barely used, in “as new condition” with beautiful AAA upgraded wood. The barrels are 28″ with 7 Rizzini chokes: Cyl, Skt x 2, IC, LM, LF, XF & 3″ chambers. Right hand 1/8″ cast off, 1 3/8″ DAC, 2 1/4″ DAH and 14 1/2″ LOP to Rizinni wood butt plate. Rizzini hard case and cloth sleeves are included. Price: $2495.

On Gunbroker.com now: A rare 16g L.C. Smith No. 2E, 28″ damascus bbls…

December 9, 2013 by Gregg

L.C. Smith 16 gauge No. 2 with Ejectors & 28" damascus barrels — L.C. Smith 16 gauge No. 2 with Ejectors & 28″ damascus barrels

I don’t like to sell my shotguns, especially if it’s one I’ve had for a while. Once I’ve had a double for a few seasons, we’ve been places together and shared time.

I remember slipping it out of its case at the beginning of hope-filled October days and breaking it down as I remember the points made and the birds hit and missed. The gun becomes part of my season – as important to me as the people and dogs I walk the woods with and the covers I visit.

But life is expensive, especially if you’re crazy about dogs, hunting and old shotguns. As bills pile up, some things have to go. So it’s time to say goodbye to this one: An L.C. Smith 16 gauge No. 2 with Ejectors and 28″ damascus barrels. It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends tomorrow, 12/10/2013, at 9:00 p.m. ET.

The Hunter Arms Co. introduced the No. 2 grade guns in 1890 and they built them until 1914. The No. 2 was a popular model, but people didn’t order many of them in 16 gauge. Of the 12,483 No. 2s the company made 12,483, just 793 were sixteens.

Far, far fewer of these sixteens had ejectors, damascus barrels, and double triggers. So the SxS you see here is tough to find, and when you factor in its condition, you’re looking at an extremely rare double barrel shotgun.

Auction alert: Beretta, Browning, L.C. Smith…

November 18, 2013November 26, 2013 by Gregg

Alderfer Auction & Appraisal in Hatfield, PA, is holding a firearms sale tomorrow, November 19, 2013. It starts at 12:00 PM EST. Here are a few lots I liked.

12g Pietro Beretta Silver Snipe over/under double barrel shotgun

12 gauge Pietro Beretta Silver Snipe over/under double barrel shotgun: 28″ vent rib bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Full & IM chokes. SN A26407. Blued finish on metal, silver receiver, excellent bores, red bead front sight, checkered walnut stock and forend show light handling marks, after market rubber buttplate. Excellent. Estimate: $200 – $400

12 gauge Browning Lightning Grade 1 over/under double barrel shotgun: 28″ vent rib bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Full & IM chokes. SN 84079S8. Blued finish on metal, lightly engraved receiver, excellent bores, checkered walnut stock and forend show no handling marks, after market rubber buttplate. Barrel stamped “Made in Belgium”. Excellent. Estimate: $500 – $900

20 gauge LC Smith Hunter Arms Company Ideal Grade side by side double barrel shotgun: 26″ bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. IM chokes. SN FW23494. Blued finish on metal, bluing is very thin from middle sight back to receiver, bores are dirty possibly lightly pitted, front and middle white bead sights, little to no case color remains on receiver, double triggers, checkered walnut stock and forend show handling marks, forend shows a crack and previous repair. Serial number on barrel, forend and receiver match. Good. Estimate: $500 – $700

16 gauge LC Smith Hunter Arms Company Field Grade side by side double barrel shotgun: 28″ bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Full chokes. SN FW151023. Blued finish on barrels, case colored receiver, bores are slightly dirty but look good, single bead front sight, checkered walnut stock and forend show multiple handling marks and scratches, underside of stock where it meets receiver just forward of trigger guard shows several chips to wood, black pistol-grip cap is chipped, black plastic buttplate is intact. Serial number on receiver, barrel and forend match. Very good. Estimate: $400 – $600

Auction alert: Parkers, L.C. Smiths, Winchesters, Brownings, & more…

November 15, 2013November 15, 2013 by Gregg

Little John’s Auction Service’s big fall sale starts on Sunday, 11/17, and runs through Tuesday, 11/19. Here are few item coming up on Sunday that caught my eye.

Parker Brothers VH grade SxS Shotgun, 12 gauge: IM/IM choked, 30” Vulcan steel barrels, blue and case hardened finish, double triggers, 14-1/8” length of pull, checkered wood stocks, checkered hard rubber Parker Brothers hunting dog butt plate, #144175. This gun is in overall fair to good condition showing an old cleaning to metal surfaces with scattered areas of erosion and pinprick pitting, near fine bores, action is not working, wood stocks are overall very good with scattered minor mars and scratches from storage and good butt plate and semi-pistol grip hard rubber cap; a great candidate for proper restoration. From an old estate. Est: $1,000-$1,500.

Winchester Model 23 28g Classic SxS hammerless shotgun

Winchester Model 23 .410 Classic SxS hammerless shotgun: Engraved with gold bird on bottom of receiver, .410 gauge, 2-3/4” and 3” chambers, Full choke (L), Modified choke (R), single gold trigger, auto ejectors, 26” ventilated rib barrels, deluxe finely grained checkered wood stocks, Winchester hard rubber butt pad, length of pull is 14-3/4”, #CL410-799E. This gun is in like new condition showing little use or handling. Est: $3,500-$4,500

Outstanding W.W. Greener Grade G 125 SxS 16 gauge Shotgun: #61892.28” Nitro proofed barrels with fine engraving at the breech, British proofed, Elephant Trade Marks, Full (L) & Improved Cylinder (R) choked, blue and case hardened finish, finely engraved receiver with no less than 8 game panel scenes and a gold crown inlaid in the barrel release lever, left side mounted safety cocking button, single trigger marked “Miller”, beaver tail deluxe checkered fore end with ebony tip and engraved release and connector; deluxe checkered butt stock with beautiful graining, ebony inlays on either side of the butt stock slightly ahead of the checkering at the wrist, hard rubber butt pad and gold plaque on underside with engraved intertwined initials “rZS”; length of pull to end of butt pad is 14-5/8”. In fine overall condition showing a deep blue finish to the barrels, the majority of its vivid case colors on the receiver with high point wear on the recoil shields, fine bores, crisp actions and fine wood stocks showing only a couple of minor mars from handling or storage. One of the nicest Greeners this cataloger has seen in many years. Est: $4,000-$8,000.

L. C. Smith Special Grade hammerless SxS shotgun, 20 gauge, 32” factory barrels with ventilated rib: Barrels full and extra full choked, single trigger, auto ejectors, blue and case hardened finish, checkered wood stocks with beaver tail fore end, White Line hard rubber butt pad, length of pull 14” to end of wood, 15-1/4” to end of pad, #FME 91327. Overall very good to fine condition showing the majority of its original blue finish and considerable original case colors on the receiver; very good bores that may clean to fine, crisp actions, fine engraving and very good wood stocks. Est: $1,500-$3,000.

Belgian-made Browning Diana grade O/U shotgun, 12 gauge: 2-3/4” chambers, 28” ventilated rib barrels, Full over Improved Modified choked, blue finish, engraved receiver, single gold trigger, checkered wood stocks, Browning hard rubber butt plate, length of pull to end of plate is 14-1/2”, #35026 S74 in overall excellent condition showing the majority of its original blue finish, fine engraving and markings, fine bores, crisp actions, fine wood stocks with beautiful graining. Est: $2,500-$5,000.

Parker Bros. DHE SxS hammerless shotgun, 16 gauge, 32” barrels: #216364. Blue and case hardened finish, checkered wood stocks with Jostam hard rubber butt pad, double triggers, length of pull is 14-5/8” to end of pad. This gun is in overall very good to near fine condition showing the majority of its muted blue finish on the barrels and an even grey patina to the receiver, bores are very good and should clean to near fine; crisp actions, sharp engraving and markings, very good wood stocks with beautiful flame graining to butt stock. Est: $1,000-$2,000.

Browning SxS BSS shotgun, 12 gauge, for 2-3/4” and 3” shells: 30” barrels, blue finish, checkered wood stocks, #4393A47 in overall fine condition showing the majority of its original finish, fine bores, crisp actions, sharp markings and fine wood stocks; accompanied by a Browning lined suitcase-style carry case and instructions manual. Est: $375-$750

The week’s good guns: powered by Gunsinternational.com…

November 12, 2013November 11, 2013 by Gregg

WW GREENER REHT60 SXS DOUBLE RIFLE 360 #2 3″ NITRO EXPRESS: 26″ BARRELS WITH A 3 LEAF EXPRESS SIGHT DOUBLE TRIGGERS EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP INLETTED ENGRAVED AND CHECKERED STEEL BUTT PLATE NEAR NEW ORIGINAL CONDITION 10LBS 8 OZ X 14 1/2. Price: $32,500.00

8 Bore R.B. Rodda Double Rifle, owned by gun writer Jack Lott: 22″ barrels have very very good bores with strong rifling and mike at .875 which indicates a rare brass case rifle, actually a 7 Bore. The rifle has non-rebounding locks that work excellently and it locks up tight on the face. This was a working rifle and has sparse engraving and shows wear as there is very little finish left, however mechanically it is excellent! The stock is solid and the wood to metal fit is very good with no proud metal. The pull is about 14 1/2″ over a black recoil pad. The steel barrels were made by Adams and Tate and have a dolls head extension. It has a lever forend with a metal grip cap and vacant metal shield let into the stock. Jack Lott shot the rifle with 10 to 12 drams of black powder and either a 1000 grain round ball or a 1250 grain conical. He commented on how well it shot with the 12 dram load. The file cut rib has one fixed rear sight. It comes with a modern round ball mold, brass cases and wads. Here is a solid 8 Bore in the rare 22″ barrel length with steel barrels with an interesting provenance with Jack Lott, featured in the Guns and Ammo publication “Big Bore Rifles” authored by Jack Lott. Price: $28,500.00

Merkel — 303-EHand-Detachable Sidelock Ejector — 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chambers: 30″ O/U matted vent-rib barrels of Bohler Special steel with ivory bead choked extra full & extra full. 14 7/8″pull from articulated front trigger to thin black recoil pad. 1 1/2″ – 1 7/8″drop. 3/8″ cast-off. Highly figured walnut stock with slender three-piece Deeley-release forend, the captive sections of which each retained by four engraved horn-bushed screws, black capped pistol grip and with chinstrap and classic point-pattern checkering. Concealed-release, hand-detachable sidelock with intercepting sears, cocking indicators, double underbites and double Kersten locks, automatic ejectors and manual top tang safety, finished in French grey and finely game scene engraved with scenes of a hawk taking a pheasant to the left and a fox flushing grouse amongst the cornstalks on the right, all surrounded with scroll. Weight: 8lbs, 1oz. Built 1956, before the best craftsmen escaped the workers’ paradise. 99% blue. Tight, and with excellent bore. Price: $13,450

Johann Springer, Vienna — Boxlock Ejector Double Rifle — 9.3x74R : 25 1/2″ SxS dovetailed barrels of Krupp steel with full solid flat matted rib, 1 standing and 1 folding leaf sights engraved for 100 and 200 meters. Figured walnut stock with lever-release splinter forend, scalloped horn capped pistol grip, sidepanels, beaded pancake cheekpiece, sling swivels, classic point-pattern checkering and checkered steel trapdoor buttplate with compartments for three cartridges. Fine scroll engraved, scalloped, bolstered, casehardened action with Greener crossbolt passing through doll’s head extension, sideclips, double single-set triggers and automatic top-tang safety. Pull: 14 3/8″. Weight: 8lbs, 1oz. Built 1922. 99% barrel blue, fading dark case colors, tight action and excellent bores. Price: $6975.

L C Smith Hunter Arms No.2E 20 Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun Auto-Ejectors Rare: 26″ BARRELS, FULL & MODIFIED, EXCELLENT BLUE, MIRROR BORES. AUTOMATIC EJECTORS, FEATHERWEIGHT FAME, NO CASE COLOR. TYPICAL ENGRAVING WITH A QUAIL IN A CIRCLE ON THE LEFT AND A DUCK ON THE RIGHT, ALSO SCROLLWORK AND BORDERS. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, GORGEOUS NICELY FIGURED WOOD. EXCELLENT SHARP CHECKERING, ORIGINAL CRIP CAP AND BUTTPLATE. PROFESSIONAL REPAIR AT THE WRIST. LOW DIMENSIONS 1 3/4″ X 3″ X 14″, 5 POUNDS 10 OUNCES. SCARCE LITTLE SMITH. ONLY 91 GRADE TWO 26″ 20 GAUGE GUNS WERE MADE. Price: $3800.00