2320

SUPERB AND RARE 20 GAUGE L.C. SMITH "EAGLE" GRADE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
SUPERB AND RARE 20 GAUGE L.C. SMITH  EAGLE  GRADE

EJECTOR, SINGLE TRIGGER, STRAIGHT GRIP DOUBLE SHOTGUN WITH UNUSUAL DEEPLY SWAMPED RIB. Cal. 20 Ga. S# FWE138374. Factory records indicate that fewer than 600 Eagle Grade L.C. Smith's were made; only about 111 in 20 gauge. Consignor states this is the only swamped rib "Eagle" grade 20 ga. to ever go thru the LC Smith archives making this an extreme rarity. This high condition example has 28" bbls. with usual L.C. Smith factory markings on tops. Matted rib has the appearance of a ventilated rib with most of the central portion and pillars removed. Close inspection of the rib on this gun indicates that it is in its original very unusual form. Raised rear portion is 2 1/2" long including extension, and front portion which forms a ramp, are matted. Front part measures 1 5/8" and is set with German silver bead. Bbl. flats are stamped with serial number, grade, chamber information (2 3/4") and Hunter proofs. Bottoms of bbls. have "Nitro Steel" logos. Casehardened action features automatic safety and single selective "Hunter One trigger" (marked on trigger plate in front of trigger guard). Action is engraved in unique "Eagle" style with 50-60% coverage large scroll surrounding shaded areas. Lockplates are engraved with matching scroll framing semi relief renditions of flying game birds. A long tail pheasant is on left plate and a duck with wings swept to rear indicating speed, is on right. This unusual treatment extends to top lever pivot which has superb rendering of a sitting eagle, also in relief. Blued trigger guard has the relief gold inlaid initials "P.H." on bow. These initials are in "arts and crafts" style, as if made from tree limbs. Serial number is on trigger guard tang. Straight grip buttstock of somewhat mottled American walnut measures 13 1/4" over old leather faced open sided pad. Point pattern checkering is at grip. Matching splinter ejector forend with inlet ebony tip has usual "J" spring release with secondary knurled button latch in engraved oval escutcheon. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS.: Bore Diameter: R: .613", L: .613". Restrictions: R: .028" (FULL), L: .029" (FULL) . Minimum Wall Thickness: R: .020", L: .027". STOCK: DAH: 3". DAC: 1 9/16". CAST: neutral. LOP: 13 1/4. WEIGHT: 6 lbs. 4 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: gun comes with green canvas case with leather corners lined in green felt and has paper L.C. Smith label in lid. CONDITION: fine as partially refinished. Bbl. retaining nearly all of its original reblack. Rib matting and engraving somewhat softened. Action and lockplates retain approx. half of their original casehardening color, strong where protected. Bottom of action considerably silvered with some scattered cleaned frosting. Buttstock a possible replacement, retains most of its varnish finish with some added oil. Grip appears to be altered from a long pistol type, to straight. Screw a replacement. Forend refinished, checkering considerably worn. Bores are bright and shiny with evidence of dent removal in right bbl. 11" behind muzzle. Action is tight. Mechanically good. Case is good. (22-1066/MGM). CURIO. $25,000-40,000.