L.C. Smith Specialty Grade 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun | 1913 First-Year Production, Rare 26" Nitro Steel Barrels
Made in 1913—the inaugural year for the Specialty Grade—this L.C. Smith 20 gauge shotgun represents one of roughly 1,100 examples produced. Its hand-fitted sidelocks, factory scroll engraving, and 26-inch Nitro Steel barrels make it a scarce, desirable piece for collectors who appreciate classic American craftsmanship.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
The shotgun is mechanically sound with solid lock-up. Metal surfaces exhibit scattered scratches, blemishes, and areas of rust and pitting. The walnut stock has a crack directly behind the receiver.
What’s Included
- L.C. Smith Specialty Grade 20 Gauge side-by-side shotgun
First-year Specialty Grade guns are prized for their limited numbers, and finding one in 20 gauge is even more uncommon. Serial number 7135 falls within the 1913 production block, underscoring its early status.
The 26-inch Nitro Steel barrels feature a concave matted solid rib capped with a precious-metal inlay hallmark and a single brass bead. An extractor (rather than ejectors) keeps the gun true to its period configuration.
Hunter Arms’ sidelock action is celebrated for crisp, hand-fitted internals. This example retains its double triggers, automatic tang safety, and hammerless design, delivering the handling characteristics collectors expect.
Factory scroll engraving decorates the lock-plates, receiver, breech-balls, and top-lever, lending visual appeal without compromising the gun’s working-field roots.
Furniture consists of a pistol-grip walnut stock with fine checkering and steel butt plate, paired with an ebony-tipped banjo-latch splinter forend—a classic Specialty Grade combination.