Our gun guy appraises your vintage firearms… and discovers some surprising values

I recently acquired an L.C. Smith double-barrel 12-gauge shotgun in Ideal Grade (above). It came in fair condition, with an approximate value of US$900 in 2018. The serial number is R 34700 I. The forend has some wear, with an obvious indentation on the lower left front corner. As well, the checkering is pretty much smooth from handling. The forend may also have been refinished at some point.

Overall, the metal is in good shape, and the detail on the receiver plate is good. The bluing on the barrel is well worn, but there’s no corrosion. The bore is very good and clean, with very little pitting; the chamber also looks good. I have not shot this firearm, but both firing pins function. Any information on the gun’s origin, year of production and approximate value would be greatly appreciated.

RYAN CHRISTIE

HAVELOCK, ONTARIO

L.C. Smith shotguns are considered among the finest shotguns ever made. Notable for using a sidelock action instead of the more common boxlock design, L.C. Smiths (or “Elsies,” as they are sometimes called) are highly collectible. Regardless of the grade or production era, the quality of workmanship and materials was always high.

Your Ideal Grade is the next step up from the basic Field Grade. This grade was made from 1912 to 1950, with a total production of 26,686 shotguns (of which more than 18,000 were 12-gauges). L.C. Smith serial number records are a bit confusing, but I believe the number on your gun reveals it was made in 1920 in Fulton, New York. The letter “R” indicates the regular size frame, while the letter “I” represents Ideal Grade. Your shotgun has double triggers and standard extractors; extra features such as a single selective trigger and automatic ejectors would add value.

I can’t make a very good overall appraisal of its condition, but your shotgun does have several positives, such as being mechanically sound and free of rust. Plus, the screw slots I can see are straight and unmarred. Unfortunately, the plastic grip cap and ventilated recoil pad with white line spacers will reduce collector value, especially if the stock was shortened when the pad was installed. Also, some of the lettering appears well worn. Considering those factors, a value of $900 is probably a reasonable estimate.

Some original L.C. Smith factory records are archived at the Cody Firearms Museum (www.centerofthewest.org), so you may be able to get a factory letter indicating the original features at the time the shotgun was shipped. These letters cost US$75, but they add value and make the shotgun more saleable.