Ken, Very, very nice gift. And to make it even better is the fact that it has an extra set of barrels. Your gun came through with either Damascus or Nitro Steel barrels, English or French walnut stocks, many different styles of engraving and patterns. The engraving on most No. 5s are similar, dogs in panels on the lock plates, flowers and scroll covering the frame and trigger guard. The top rib should be engraved Made To Order By The Hunter Arms Co. Fulton, N.Y. It has been described as having the elegance and quality of the finest double barrel shotgun in the world.
A total of 484 No. 5 Guns were produced, and of these only 111 were non-ejector guns. In 1913 this gun became the Crown Grade.
In many peoples opinion, the models made before 1913 were of the highest quality in workmanship.
In my opinion, I would only shoot low pressure shells under 8,000 psi. These guns weren't made for todays higher pressure, and that is why a lot of them are cracked behind the sideplates.
If you would, could you post some pictures here and on the L.C. Smith site. These guns are far and few between.
As far as value, you would have to have a qualified gunsmith knowledgeable in L.C. Smiths.
Blue Book of Gun Values 26th Edition, lists Grade 5 95%=$7,000, 90%=$5,500, 80%=$4,500, 70%=$4,150, 60%=$4,000. This is not including the extra barrel, you could add who knows for that.
Good luck with it.
