L.C. Smith, snRE14497, 1919, 12GA, 7lbs. 15oz., F/F
Double gun enthusiasts recognize L.C. Smith guns as the only successful sidelock guns from the American top 5 at the turn of the 20th century. Only 227 MONOGRAM GRADES IN 12GA. WERE EVER MADE, AND ONLY 76 HAD THE DESIRABLE 32” BARRELS. THIS IS A RARE GUN! This Monogram, snRE14497, built in 1919 and documented by the L.C. Smith Collectors Association factory letter included with the sale, is in beautiful condition. The Monogram was a Grade 6 gun, more decorated than the Grade 5, with only the A2 and A3 coming from L.C. Smith with more embellishment. Look closely at the incredible rose and scroll engraving, the details in the pigeons on the sideplates, the duck on the bottom, the beaded fences, and the finely sculpted frame…simply amazing! What a gorgeous gun, with the finest MONOGRAM STEEL barrels measuring 32? and choked F/F (use spreader loads for more open choking) with excellent shiny bores, tight ribs, double ivory beads, nicely engraved at the breech and muzzle, the engraved lettering on the barrels still sharp and clear. The wood is nicely figured European walnut, finely checkered with ribbons and fleur-de-lis carvings, fit to the action to perfection, finished with a hand-rubbed oil finish. It doesn’t get much better. Mechanically perfect with strong well-timed ejectors, single selective trigger that performs flawlessly, barrels tight on breech face like a new gun with the top lever still right of center, she is ready for another century of service and enjoyment. This gun’s action and forend iron was stripped to the smallest parts, Ultrasonic cleaned and scrubbed, all parts inspected for integrity and function, lubricated, and reassembled, providing a VFI CERTIFIED GUN, a $375 service in our shop, and includes A 90-DAY MECHANICAL WARRANTY. This Elsie has been completely vetted by VFI and needs nothing…she is ready for decades more service. When considering upland game, waterfowl, turkey, doves, pigeons, or clay targets, this gun is ready for all. Weighing 7lbs. 15oz. she is a big gun, balanced perfectly 1/16” forward of the hinge pin, a gun that will accel at moving targets. Collector interest in L.C. Smith has become brisk, with prices rising and creating a great investment opportunity. Consider what a Parker Grade 6, or AHE, 12ga. would cost in this condition (over $30,000) and you realize what a bargain this is. I consider the Monogram Elsie to be one of the most beautiful of the American doubles, no matter what the cost. Check out the wood to metal fit, screws, checkering…what a nice 104-year-old gun! Monograms don’t come up for sale very often, and we have priced this gun below the market value, so don’t miss your opportunity! The length of pull is measured from the rear position single trigger (would be 14 7/8” if it was a two-trigger gun) and is not short. We replaced the old pad with a fabulous Purdey style leather covered pad that has the best combination of easy mount and staying put on your shoulder, a $650 service in our shop. We can alter the stock dimensions to fit your needs, provide choke work, or whatever it is you wish to have changed on this fine gun. The monogram initials on the left barrel can be removed if desired. The gun comes with a quality leather case with full accessories and maker’s label. Look long and hard and you will only find one or two Monograms for sale in the marketplace, they are that rare. Thanks for looking!
Barrels: 32"
Chokes: .034/.035
Bores: mirror
Bore Diameter: .733/.733
Wall Thickness: .029/.028
% Blue: 99%
Chambers: 2 3/4"
Ribs: tight
Action: tight, right of center
Ejectors: timed
Receiver: 80% cc
Screws: perfect
Engraving: sharp
Trigger: single
Trigger Guard: 99%
Stock: round pistol grip/splinter
LOP: 13 7/8" to rear trigger position
LOP To End Of Wood: 12 15/16"
DAH: 2 1/16"
DAC: 1 7/16"
Checkering: superb
