Question on 1800's Double Barrel Shotgun?????

[Sacjesusfreak]

http://s731.photobucket.com/albums/ww312/sacjesusfreak/double%20barrel/

[NeoWeird]

I've seen L.C.Smiths quite a bit for sale, but I don't know much about them. I've heard they were an off shot of a name brand, but I can't remember which (I want to say they eventually were bought out by or eventually became Ithaca but again, I'm not sure). I've seen some that range in the several thousand range down to ones that run for $100. It's more condition than anything for these types of firearms, and I'm no expert so I don't even want to pretend that I could quote a price.

Two things to keep in mind though:

1800s had no computers and the concept of interchangable parts hadn't come about yet. That's 6434 shotguns fit with EVERY part made for each specific gun, and EVERY part hand fitted by a gunsmith. It's not like today where they can crank out 100+ guns in a month for the smaller shops. That serial probably equates to almost a decade of work.

The second thing is, and it's the main reason I created this post, is do NOT shoot modern ammo in it. This may be a no brainer to some, it may be a life saver to others. That thing will most likely not handle the pressure of modern smokeless powder ammo. Damascus barrels in particular have a nasty habbit of failing with modern ammo.

Just be safe, and good look finding out what you need/want to know.

[rod]

The Buffalo Bill museum in Cody, WY has an extensive collection of "Elsie's" and can research your serial # and give you some history. It'll cost you though. There are many styles and grades of L.C. Smith shotguns and some are worth quite a bit. Several companies made L.C. Smiths and it all started with a man by the name of Baker (maker of the Baker three barrel shotgun). He joined up with a couple of other fellows, one of which was Mr. L. C. Smith back in the late 1800's. Baker and the other partner left shortly after and Mr. Smith took over the company known as Baker Firearms. He ran the company for about eight years and went on to make typewriters, but his guns were made for years and years after that. Mr. Smith was very innovative and made several improvements and invented new components for his shotguns. Ownership of the company changed hands a number of times and the latest was Marlin, back in the late 60's. They stopped production in 1971 I think, and that is the $.02 history lesson as I know it.

ETA: As NeoWeird said, DO NOT shoot modern ammo through it. The damascus barrel will not handle it. If you must shoot it, have it X-ray'd first. If the barrel is not cracked or coming apart (common in old damascus barrels), find some reduced loads made with black powder which is made for damascus barrels.

[stevenjay1]

Go to this forum, they will be able to answer your questions.

Steve

http://www.doublegunshop.com/

[Fjold]

John Nichols made shotguns with Daniel Lefever from 1876 until 1878 when Lefever left. Nichols continued making shoguns under that name until 1885. Your gun should not have an LC Smith buttplate on it.

[Sacjesusfreak]

John Nichols made shotguns with Daniel Lefever from 1876 until 1878 when Lefever left. Nichols continued making shoguns under that name until 1885. Your gun should not have an LC Smith buttplate on it.

I was told he was a designer with l.c smith..

Does anyone know where to find comparables?

[Beelzy]

Nice wall hanger............That's about it too.

[Sacjesusfreak]

i wouldnt consider this a wall hanger....its in good enough condition to shoot low pressure loads. Although iam just going to sell it .. so i need to know what iam selling.iam still looking for a history on it..

thanks guys

[Mssr. Eleganté]

i wouldnt consider this a wall hanger....its in good enough condition to shoot low pressure loads.

How in the world did you determine that the barrels were in good enough condition to shoot low pressure loads? You can't tell just by looking at them.

[Sacjesusfreak]

How in the world did you determine that the barrels were in good enough condition to shoot low pressure loads? You can't tell just by looking at them.

Because I have X ray vision.... DUH

[stevenjay1]

Nice wall hanger............That's about it too.

Wall hanger, no way! I still hunt with my old doubles. Brass shot shells and black powder. They shoot as well as they did a 110+ years ago. BUT, Only use black powder.

[Sacjesusfreak]

Beautiful Gun! Thanks for sharing the pics. I just broke it down, getting ready to clean it. Do you use anything special? Its been untouched wrapped up for over 50 years. No pitting, but some old grease build up or something..

Wall hanger, no way! I still hunt with my old doubles. Brass shot shells and black powder. They shoot as well as they did a 110+ years ago. BUT, Only use black powder.

[stevenjay1]

http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html

[gunboat]

Just because the barrels look like damascus twist does not mean thet are -- In the late 1800's damascus was a sign of quality and less expensive weapons were faked to look damascus -- In any event, lets hope the seller does not pass this off as a shooter without determining what the barrels really are --So many younger enthusiasts have no knowledge of these barrels and could be set up for an unfortunate accident --
As other pointed out, these barrels, if damascus, could look perfect yet be rusted out between the inner and outer surfaces -- It is the process of making damascus twist that creates this phenomenon -- my ha-penny

[freonr22]

will cleaning it too much devalue it?