doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com LC Smith 410

I own a 1930 LC Smith 410 field grade with two barrel sets. One 24 inch modified and one 26 inch full. I believe the barrel sets were both on the original order since there is no #2 stamped anywhere on either barrel.

The original color of the receiver is about 70% with some color still visable. The barrels are in good condition. The case is long gone.

I have requested the order history from the Cody Museum but have not received it as of this date.

My questions are: should I consider restoring the gun before sale, how would I go about determining its value and what auction house would you recommend?

John Grimm

John, I believe that you had posted a similar question on the LCSCA about the extra barrels. I believe that if the gun came from the factory with 2 barrels that one would have a 2 stamp on or near the lug. The 2 stamp would let the workers know that this barrel belonged to a certain gun.
Also the one set of barrels with the 24" length, not saying that they would not make a set that short, so I would definetly wait for the letter from Cody stating what was shipped and how long the barrels were. If you are saying the 24" barrels are miking up modified than that shows you that the barrels haven't been cut down. The chokes in L.C. Smiths are usually 1 1/2" + in length. A .410 modified choke would be +/- .390.
As far as restoring your gun back to original, re-blueing both barrels, annealing and re-casehardening, nitre blueing the trigger guard, and refinishing the stock could cost from $2,000+, and then it will still be a re-finished gun. I would check out the options and see from a reliable source which would be better.
Good luck and let us know about the letter or post it on the LCSCA.

Glad you found this site John-you'll get good advice here also.
WHATEVER YOU DO-DO NOTHING TO THE GUN. Collectors are looking for a rare gun (which you have) in original condition.

Are both sets of barrels serial numbered to the frame? If not, then I doubt that one set was added by the factory.
BTW, don't redo the gun. You would never recover the cost. If when going to keep the gun and wanted it to be in new condition, then go for it, but don't if your wanting to sell it.

Hi John,
I don't understand this statement:

"The original color of the receiver is about 70% with some color still visable."

If the original color is 70%, what does some color still visible mean?
In any event, definitely do not restore it. It will cost you a bundle, as the others said, and will be worth less than it'e worth now. Especially is it has 70% color as you said. That's pretty high original condition. American collectors go nuts over high original condition. (original condition does not mean restored, of course).

Jim, I really don't know what I'm talking about. One gentleman emailed me a response after looking a pictures I had forwarded and stated the condition to be 70%. I would be very interested in your opinion. If you would email me at jbgrimm@comcast.net. I will send you a couple pics showing the receiver color.

Thanks

John Grimm

John-
IMHO...Please listen to the other's suggestion...(even if it turns out to be only 40% condition...) Don't refinish the gun.. you have a fairly rare gun...

You don't need an auction house to sell a .410 Smith. All you have to is establish a value in your own mind and then advertise it. Don't do anything until you get your Cody letter.