2298

SCARCE EXTRA HEAVY 10 GA. L. C. SMITH GRADE 3 WILD FOWLER WITH UNUSUAL STRAIGHT GRIP.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
SCARCE EXTRA HEAVY 10 GA. L. C. SMITH GRADE 3 WILD FOWLER WITH UNUSUAL STRAIGHT GRIP.
SN 49687. (ca 1896) Cal. 10 ga. 2-7/8" Chambers. 30" Fine chain Damascus bbls are marked "Hunter Arms Co., Makers Fulton N.Y." on unmatted portion of concave game rib. Left bbl flat is stamped with SN. Grade is stamped on front portion of heavy splinter, which appears to be integral with loop. Heavy case hardened action is fitted with non-automatic safety and double triggers. Strikers are bushed in early style. Bbls are fitted with early rotating extractor cam. Action is engraved in typical pre 1913 no. 3 style, with light scroll at about 20% coverage. Lockplates have game birds within ovals; quail on left; woodcock or snipe on right. "L. C. Smith" is on each plate. Dense, well marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/16" over ribbed hard rubber buttplate, and features typical grade 3 checkering with wavy pattern at rear, and having line border. Matching splinter forend has inlet triangular ebony tip, dogs head hard rubber medallion in open central diamond, and usual L. C. Smith J-spring release. Bore diameter: left-.777, right -.775. Bore restrictions: left -.052 (full), right -.030 (mod). Wall thickness: left -.049, right -.053. Drop at heel: 3-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/4". Weight: 9 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14-1/16". CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain approx 80% of their orig Damascus finish with excellent definition to pattern, lightened somewhat overall, with some browning at normal carry point. Action retains most of its orig case hardening color, fading a bit on bottom, and silvering on high edges, vivid where protected. Lockplates retain nearly all of their orig case color which is vivid under orig lacquer, muted where lacquer missing. Stocks retain approx 95% orig finish with a number of minor marks, finish slightly worn at grip and on forend. Bores are excellent with a hint of frosting at breech ends. Action is tight. Fewer than 4000 number 3 grade guns were produced between 1890 and 1912; only 90 of these were in 10 ga, very few with straight grip. A fine, high condition example, most of these guns were subjected to very hard use in salty environments. 4-47166 MGM21