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LC Smith "Coachgun"

dwr111
Trying to find out any info on this shot gun.

The top of the barrel reads "LC Smith Maker of Baker Gun Syracuse NY"

It has 3046 stamped on the gun and has a 20" barrel. No other markings can be found.

The interesting thing is located on the butt is a "Wells Fargo Agent" badge. I'm assuming this was a special order gun.

Does anyone know any history about this gun?

Thanks in advance

Warren
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • nord
    Yes, but you won't like it...

    Your's is an early Smith made in Syracuse, NY while Baker and Smith were still together.

    Your gun is a fake, pure and simple. There was no such thing as a factory set of 20" tubes. Further, Fargo badges are more numerous than fleas on a dog's butt.

    You won't be the first or the last to be fooled.

    Nord
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  • dwr111
    Thanks for the info, but what do you mean by fake? Are you saying someone chopped the barrel and chisled out the butt for the badge? Makes sense I suppose.

    Warren
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  • nord
    That's exactly what I'm saying.

    Nord
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  • laxcoach
    Nord, obviously you and I share the same interests in Elsies--- I agree that this is most likely a fake, although WF ordered SxS's from most of the manufacturers, and most had "non-standard" barrel lengths. I've seen fakes in WV that were Ideal grades cut off! I do have, however, a 25-1/2" #2 grade 16 that is choked IC/M from the factory, which supports Brophy's statement that one could get an Elsie any way one wanted, so long as the buyer was willing to pay for it.
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  • nord
    Lax -

    I know what you're saying, but a 20 inch gun is of little practical use. Further, Fargo used utility guns and that would be much more likely a Hunter (at a later date, of course).

    I'd be willing to bet that there's absolutely no choke in those tubes and that someone is trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

    It's fake.

    Nord
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  • dwr111
    Ok, thanks again for the info. You two have been very helpful. I need to put some kind of value on it for an estate valuation. I would grade it around 75%. If either one of you could give me some kind of range that would be very helpful.

    Warren
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  • nord
    I'm a bit uncomfortable with giving a value here. I'll qualify by saying that the following is from my own viewpoint...

    I believe your gun to be spurious (absent of any documentation to the contrary). Further, 20" tubes are of little use to anyone in a practical sporting application.

    Based on the facts as I know them, it would appear that someone has taken a nice gun and ruined it. Again, only absolute documentation would be acceptable to a collector as far as originality and I'd even view that with a certain skepticism.

    Value will only be as a curio. If you were to offer the gun to me, I wouldn't be interested at any price. Since a good original Elcee shooter can be obtained for $400.00, I'd be surprised if you were to get more than half that for your gun.

    On the other hand there are those who might believe the gun is as advertised. For some unknown reason they might even believe that somehow Wells Fargo adds to the mystique of the piece. In my view it would be dishonest to sell the gun under those terms, but that's probably none of my business. I just know that I wouldn't buy it.

    One note I might add... L.C. Smith's are premium guns. They're well finished and weren't allowed out of the factory showing alteration or poor workmanship. Cut tubes almost always give themselves away and here's what I'd look for:

    1. Lack of choke(s).

    2. Muzzles must be absolutely square cut. Very slight rounding at the inside and outside of the muzzles, but only enough so as to not have a sharp edge. Anything outside those specs is a sure sign of alteration.

    3. Upper and lower ribs must fit the tubes properly. No voids, no excess solder, no sign of alteration.

    4. Brass bead at muzzle and NO bead toward breach.

    Sorry to be such a wet blanket, but you've set off all my alarms and I have to go with intuition on this one.

    Nord
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  • dwr111
    Nord, like you I now believe this gun to be a fake. And after further "investigation" I have a strong ideal on who actually ruined this gun, but that's another story. [:)] At this time I am looking at placing some kind of value for valuation on it. I do not know what the family wants to do with it (keep or sale). I'm leaning toward the $500.00 mark, but from the sounds of it from you this still might be high. I will adjust accordingly.

    Thanks again for all your help!

    Warren
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  • temblor
    If anyone in your area does cowboy action shooting there are alot of guys who would use your gun for that purpose......just a thought........good luck........[8D]
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  • dwr111
    quote:Originally posted by temblor
    If anyone in your area does cowboy action shooting there are alot of guys who would use your gun for that purpose......just a thought........good luck........[8D]


    OK, thanks, but it has the dumascus ?spelling? barrel so it sounds like it will only be a "mental" peice.
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