1925 L.C. Smith Field Grade FWE 20 Gauge SxS, Hunter One Trigger, 27 in Armor Steel Barrels
This 1925 L.C. Smith Field Grade Featherweight Ejector (FWE) 20 gauge stands out with its factory Hunter One Trigger, automatic ejectors, and 27-inch Armor Steel barrels. Built by Hunter Arms Company in Fulton, New York, it features classic sidelock construction, a solid matted rib with a brass front bead, and period-correct barrel legends. The 2 3/4-inch chambers and light featherweight frame marked "Fw" underscore a desirable configuration for collectors of American doubles.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: The stock and grip have deep cracks and are separating. There is widespread rust and pitting on metal surfaces. After manipulating the action, one barrel failed to fire. Serial numbers are non-matching: the receiver and barrels are stamped "Fw E85660" while the forend iron is stamped "FWE 94803," indicating a replacement, non-matching forend assembly.
What’s Included
- L.C. Smith Field Grade Featherweight Ejector (FWE) 20 Gauge side-by-side shotgun with Hunter One Trigger
Built on the featherweight frame and marked "Fw," this L.C. Smith includes the "E" ejector feature with twin ejector kickers, delivering automatic ejection. The trigger plate is marked for the factory single Hunter One Trigger, a noteworthy option that simplifies operation on a classic sidelock double.
The 27-inch Armor Steel barrels carry a solid matted rib and a single brass front bead, with clear legends reading "L. C. SMITH FIELD GRADE" and "HUNTER ARMS CO. INC. M’FRS FULTON, N.Y., U.S.A." Chambers are cut for 2 3/4-inch shells, and capacity is 2 rounds.
Sidelock construction features both lockplates roll-stamped "L.C. SMITH." The checkered splinter forend has a metal escutcheon, and the walnut stock is pistol-gripped and checkered. A recoil pad has been installed, yielding a 13.0-inch length of pull.
Proof and inspector markings include "PAT'D MAY 28, 1901" on the forend iron and boxed inspector marks on the barrel flats. Serial numbers observed: receiver and barrels "Fw E85660"; forend iron "FWE 94803" (non-matching). The gun is hammerless, break-action, and configured with bead sights for a traditional field presentation from the 1920s era.