doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com L.C.Smith Case Color

GunPlumber,
In the New LC Smith book, John states that there are possibly 3 LC Smith shotguns that were owned by John Philip Sousa. Serial number 211470, 210073 and Field Grade FW 66168 E in 20 gauge. The shotgun pictured in the book has the appearance of a French Greyed finish. Sorry I wrote that it was silver plated. I am very sure that the shotgun was case hardened at some point in time. It is stated in the book that two of Sousa's shotguns are in the Marine Corp Museum. It is thought that shotgun 210073 was a trap grade engraved identical to the one pictured in the book.

Regards
M.L. Hipp

JDW, I realize it's sometimes hard to tell by pictures, but your gun does not look plated... maybe shiny with case colors worn off, but it just doesn't have that look like the 1929 Specialty grade that Revdocdrew has pictured above. On that gun, the plating looks like it covers every nook and cranny of the engraving, but on your gun, the engraving appears to be "cleaner". I have seen areas of worn case hardening look almost polished. It would be interesting to see the inside of your locks or forend iron under the wood. Of course, I'm not asking you to disassemble your gun... It's just that from my end of Pennsylvania to your end of the state, it doesn't look plated. Keith

Great replies!! When I get the action back I will post photos. I spent a lot of time removing rust with an exacto knife under a magnifying light and saw no evidence of case color. It is uniformly silver/nickle in color.I do have a damascus speciality grade with case color and several others with case as well. This one looks different however.

M.L.

I have heard that there is a Sousa owned gun held in the collection of the Trap Shooting Hall of Fame. I am planning a visit there to do some research for my book project. I'll pass along to the board for those interested what I find out.

Kind regards,