L. C. Smith “E” Grade Type I Hammer gun. Marked
“L. C. Smith Maker- Syracuse, NY–Damascus Steel” on the rib. (SN 11471;
mfg. 1885) This is one of ca. 5,000 guns made by Lyman Cornelius Smith
in Syracuse, NY between 1884 and 1888 when the company was sold to Hunter
Brothers. It is the first model gun incorporating the famed rotary bolt
designed by Alexander Brown. It also has beautifully designed and made
bar action locks-unlike the later hammer guns. These guns are the equal
in design and workmanship to any gun made in England at the time. This
is a collector quality gun and good solid shooter besides. It is a ten
gauge with 32” barrels bored full and full. The barrels are free of dents,
the bores are excellent and the Damascus pattern is very good. The
action is lightly engraved, tight on face as new and the locks are crisp.
No rust or pitting on action or barrels. Walnut stock is very good with
excellent sharp checkering on the wrist but somewhat worn on the forend.
Length of pull is 14” over a recoil pad. Type I hammer Smiths
in this good of condition are almost impossible to find and this one is
an “E” grade.




