L.C. Smith hammerless Syracuse guns started in 1886 and stopped in 1888 when Lyman Cornelius sold company to John Hunter. Hammerless guns were serial numbered 16xxx, 18xxx, 19xxx, 20xxx, 22xxx. Hammer guns were from 15xxx, 17xxx, 21xxx, 24xxx, 25xxx and 26xxx.
Your gun would most likely be 1887, and there were no more than 1,000 hammerless guns made total. Yours was the lowest grade, Quality 2 and cost $80.00 then, Quality 7 was the highest at $450.00.
There are no written records for Syracuse guns, only a small 3" X 6" notepad has some information on hammer and hammerless guns made and monies made. The hammerless gun production started in August of 1886 with 14 being made that first month.
Earliest serial number I have listed is 16036 with no patent dates. Only made in 10 and 12 ga. with 30" or 32" barrels.
In looking at my records, I have your serial number, 20112, Quality 2 10 ga. with 30 " barrels, but they are hammer barrels serial numbered 10827 which is a pre-1884 hammer gun made by L.C. Smith, Maker Syracuse N.Y.
Last edited by JDW; 08/31/10 10:29 PM.
