2020 September Premier, Volume I

BOTH SIDES PICTURED
LOT 361
Exceptional Factory Engraved Gold Inlaid Ithaca
Knick $5,000 Grade Single Barrel Trap Shotgun - Serial no. 240405709, 12
gauge, 32 inch vent rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, highly figured checkered
walnut stock. Manufactured in 1977. Dual white bead sights on the raised, matte rib, 2 3/4
inch chamber with automatic ejector, jewelled flats,
ejector and lug, “$5000.00 GRADE” marking, full choke,
and elaborately engraved block with “ITHACA GUN CO.” banners. Casehardened action with matching
serial number and grade marking, and gold washed trigger. The action features full coverage flowing
scroll engraving, punch dot texture, and brilliant high relief gold inlaid game bird scenes of pheasants
on the right, single quail on the underside, a woodcock on the trigger guard, and ducks on the left side.
Fancy figured checkered beavertail forearm with engraved fittings, flourishes of light engraving on the interior forearm hardware,
matching serial number and grade marking, and checkered pistol grip stock with fancy scalloped borders, checkered flats, fluted
grip cap, blank initial shield, and solid rubber recoil pad. Includes Browning (Browning nameplate removed) takedown case. Stock
measurements are: drop at comb 1 7/16 inches; drop at heel 1 3/4 inches; length of pull 14 1/2 inches.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original blue finish on the barrel, small bright scratch at the muzzle, and mild handling marks. The action has 99% dark original case colors with
crisp, detailed engraving, bold gold inlays, and some mild wear on the face of the bright gold washed trigger. The wood is also excellent with crisp checkering, attractive grain, and a
few mild scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. Case if excellent with some exterior storage marks.
Estimate: 6000 - 9000
Collector’s Fact
According to L.C. Smith Shotguns by
Brophy, only 484 Grade 5 shotguns
were manufactured before 1913.
BOTH SIDES PICTURED
298
LOT 362
Factory Engraved L.C. Smith/Hunter Arms Co. Grade 5E Sidelock
Ejector Side by Side Shotgun - Serial no. 200071, 12 gauge, 30 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in
1903. According to the information on page 62 of “L.C. Smith Shotguns” by Brophy, only 484 Grade
5 shotguns were manufactured before 1913 when the designation was changed to the Crown Grade.
Blue steel dovetail lump barrels with dual bead
sights on the matte concave rib marked (faint)
“MADE TO ORDER BY THE HUNTER ARMS CO. FULTON, NY” with gold inlaid bar near the breech end of
the rib, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, modified/full chokes, and wedges of light scroll
engraving at the breech. Casehardened action and lock plates with sculpted fences, dual checkered
triggers, and sliding tang safety. The action and locks have full coverage fine scroll engraving with floral
bouquet accents, “L.C. SMITH” banners on the locks and detailed hunting dog scenes featuring a pair of
pointers on the right and a pair of setters on the left. The dogs and backgrounds are highly detailed and are like
the work of Hunter Arms Co. Master Engraver Albert Krauss. The locks are numbered to the action. Attractive checkered beavertail forearm
with roller latch, engraved fittings, engraved interior fittings, and straight grip stock with vented Pachmayr recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements are: bore diameter at 9
inches from breech .730/.732; minimum wall thickness .023/.022; drop at comb 1 3/8 inches; drop at heel 2 1/8 inches; length of pull 14 1/4 inches.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrels have 98% refinished blue remaining with very light rib markings and engraving, some light muzzle wear, and mid sight bead pushed into the rib. The action and
locks have an overall gray patina with small traces of original case colors visible in the protected areas, well defined, detailed engraving, and some light spotting on the repaired upper tang. The
refinished wood is also fine with crisp re-cut checkering, scattered small dings, attractive color and grain, and period added recoil pad. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4750 - 7000