Lot 1414

Inscribed Hunter Arms/L. C. Smith Crown Grade Shotgun

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Inscribed Hunter Arms/L. C. Smith Crown Grade Shotgun

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000

Starting Bid: $3,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Scarce Factory Game Scene Engraved Hunter Arms/L. C. Smith Crown Grade Double Barrel Shotgun Inscribed "F. Ludington" Manufactured in 1927. This scarce Crown Grade is one of only 842 made by Hunter Arms Co. across all gauges according to page 96 of William Brophy's "L. C. Smith Shotguns". Built with blued steel barrels featuring dual white bead sights on the matted flat vent rib which has decorative engraving at the base, "L. C. SMITH Crown GRADE" and "MADE TO ORDER BY THE HUNTER ARMS Co. INC. FULTON, N.Y." on the right and left tubes respectively, and chambers marked 2 5/8 inches with ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened sidelock action which displays L. C. Smith's elegant Crown Grade engraving showing attractive scrollwork around "L. C. SMITH" banners on either lockplate, "HUNTER/ONE/TRIGGER" on the triggerplate, a gold crown on the toplever, gold "F. Ludington" on the trigger guard, and oval game scenes on each lock depicting a pair of pointing setters on the left and two pointing pointers on the right. While the identity of Mr. Ludington cannot be confirmed, there is an F. Ludington listed in the Rockford Morning Star as participating in a large trap shoot there in 1930. The gun is fitted with an attractively figured and multi-point checkered beavertail forend which is modified and slimmed down at the rear and has engraved iron and release as well as a pistol grip stock with Monte-Carlo comb, smooth black grip cap, and a rubber recoil pad with steel plate. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .727/.730 inches; choke constriction .035/.033 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.029 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 1 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 3 oz.

Manufacturer: Hunter Arms Company

Model: Crown Grade

BBL: 32 inch vent rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 12

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial NumberRE97130

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Fine, showing strong traces of original case colors with the balance a handsome silver patina, 90% of the reapplied blue finish, some oxidation mainly toward the muzzles, and some wear. The wood is very good with a few cracks at the front of the forend and rear of the locks, some dings and scratches, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically needs work as the trigger does not reset after the first pull.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000