Age is rarely kind to old double barrel shotguns. That’s why this 12 gauge L.C. Smith 3E is impressive. For a SxS that’s 113+ years old, it’s in awesome original condition. Check out all the color-case hardening on the action and the finish on the barrels and wood. Those are the things that collector’s love to see.
The Hunter Arms Co., of Fulton, NY, made L.C. Smiths No. 3s from 1894-1912, and they turned a total of 2,592 of them in 12 gauge. Most of the ones I’ve seen have featured the Hunter One Single Trigger, the design Allan Lard patented in 1899 and Smith adopted as their own. The Lard/Hunter One Trigger can be troublesome, so it’s good that this shotgun doesn’t have it.
When this shotgun was new, it cost right around $100 — a chunk of money. In Sear’s 1909 Fall Consumer Guide, that $100 would buy a solid gold ring with a 7/8 carat diamond. If you’ve shopped for an engagement ring lately, you know how much one of those costs (easily $6000+ with a nice quality stone).
L.C. Smith 3E 12 gauge Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″ Damascus Bbls
Price: $5,299.99
| Caliber: | 12ga |
| Chambers: | 2 3/4 |
| Metal Condition: | Chain Damascus |
| Wood Condition: | Well Used |
| Bore Condition: | Bright and Shiny |
| Barrels: | 28″ Ejectors |
| Triggers: | Double Triggers |
| Stock: | Checkered Pistol Grip |
| Stock Dimensions: | 15″ LOP |
| Fore End: | Checkered Splinter |
| Butt Pad: | Butt Plate |
| Weight: | 9 Lbs. |
| Sights: | Front Bead |
| Chokes: | IC & FULL |
