L.C. Smith Grade 2E 16 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun | 28-Inch Crown Steel Barrels, Factory Engraved, 1919 Fulton NY
This 1919 L.C. Smith Grade 2E offers the desirable combination of Hunter Arms craftsmanship, factory engraving, and automatic ejectors in the versatile 16 gauge. Built in Fulton, New York, it features 28-inch Crown Steel fluid-steel barrels, a rotary top-bolt locking system, and American walnut furniture with sharp checkering. Collectors will appreciate the matching serial numbers on all major components and the Grade “2E” designation that confirms its ejector configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: Scratches and blemishes appear on the barrels and receiver, with light spots of rust and pitting. Stock and forend show normal handling marks but retain crisp checkering and an even oil finish. The shotgun remains in solid functional shape; bores are clean and shiny despite the light corrosion noted above.
What’s Included
- L.C. Smith Grade 2E 16 Gauge side-by-side shotgun
- Khaki canvas shotgun soft case with leather trim and carry handle
Grade 2E was the first L.C. Smith level to receive factory game-scene engraving, and this example retains its bordered scrollwork and circular game vignette on the case-hardened sidelocks. The colors remain visible, adding character without obscuring detail.
The 28-inch “Crown Steel” barrels are topped with a matted rib and brass bead. Chambers are 2 9/16 inches, correct for the period, making this a fine candidate for low-pressure 16-gauge loads. Automatic ejectors reliably kick spent shells clear for quick reloads, while double, non-selective triggers provide traditional control.
A rotary top-bolt locks the barrels to the receiver—an L.C. Smith patent known for strength. The action still closes with authority, reflecting the gun’s continued mechanical integrity more than a century after leaving Fulton.
The American walnut stock sports a semi-pistol grip, steel butt-plate, and a measured 14-inch length of pull, offering a classic fit. Paired with the slim splinter forend, the gun balances well for upland hunting or informal clays.