In House Shipping:
Make: L.C. Smith Gun Co. / Hunter Arms Co.
Model: No. 3
Serial Number: 204670
Year of Manufacture: 1905
Gauge: 12Ga. 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Side-Lock Break-Open Side by Side Double Shotgun with Ejectors.
Markings: The bottom of the frame is marked, “204670” with various proof marks. The sides are marked, “L.C. SMITH” The barrel is marked, “HUNTER ARMS CO. FULTON N.Y.” The underside is marked with the serial, model, and forge mark. The forend is marked with the serial. There are light engravings throughout with a scene of Quail on the left and flying ducks on the right.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Fixed, Improved Modified, Full.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an ivory bead set on top of the serrated rib. There is a mid bead set into the center of the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with a ebony tipped roll tab release splinter forend, a thin Prince-of-Wales wrist, raised straight comb, and a rubber buttpad that has hardened from age. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout with cracks forming at the wrist and forend. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14.75" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall the stocks are in Good condition. The cast is neutral, the drop at comb is 1 5/8", the drop at heel is 2 1/2".
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, worn areas on the barrels show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright with some faint scratch lines. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The case color has faded slightly with spots of patina. The barrels have been touched up in worn areas with cold blue. There are scratches and light thinning throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Cody Firearms Records Office search which confirms this shotgun was made as a Grade 3, 12 gauge, 30” barrels, with ejectors and Nitro Steel barrels, finished October 15, 1905.
Our Assessment: This L.C. Smith No. 3 by Hunter Arms Co. is a beautifully crafted sidelock double-barrel shotgun from the golden age of American sporting arms. Manufactured in 1905, this example represents one of the more desirable mid-grade offerings from L.C. Smith, known for blending elegant engraving, fine checkering, and mechanical precision. The No. 3 grade was positioned as a well-appointed field or sporter gun, often equipped with tasteful game scene engravings and upgraded wood. In this case, the sideplates feature engraved quail on the left and ducks in flight on the right, all bordered by light scrollwork, underscoring its original appeal to the serious sportsman. This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish, with faded but visible case coloring and areas of touch-up blue on the barrels. The 30” tubes have bright bores with only faint scratch lines and no erosion, rating an impressive 9.5/10. The barrels are choked Improved Modified and Full, making this a capable upland or trap gun with classic patterns. The walnut stock set shows honest wear with some cracks forming at the wrist and forend, though the checkering remains well defined and the ebony forend tip is intact. The Prince-of-Wales grip and neutral cast make for a comfortable and traditional shooting platform.
Mechanically, the gun is sound—locking up tightly with automatic ejectors and crisp triggers. Its overall configuration and engraving make it a fine representative of turn-of-the-century American gunmaking. The shotgun remains a very appealing option for vintage shooting or collectors. Whether displayed for its craftsmanship or taken afield with proper low-pressure loads, this 1905 L.C. Smith No. 3 remains a functional and elegant piece of American sporting history.