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JO Smith double barrel 12 gauge

jsm
Hello, I have this gun that belonged to my great grandfather,it has inside hammers,serial number 110296.I'm trying to find firing pins and firing pin keepers.I would also like to know if this is a collectors gun and possible value range.It's worth alot to me in sentimental value.Also have a Central Arms double barrel 12 gauge with exposed hammers that belonged to my wife's great grandfather,serial number 223645 and would like the same parts and info like the first gun. jsm
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4 comments

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  • nord
    Assuming "JO SMITH" and not L.C. Smith, then it's another knockoff. Most likely Belgian if there's a ELG stamped under the barrels.

    You fail to mention whether damascus-type tubes or fluid steel and offer no hint as to condition, nor anything else. While utility guns will never really be worth all that much, a thorough description is of utmost importance.

    Based on what you've said (and not said) I'd place the value of both pieces at about $100.00 on the lower end and perhaps double that on the high end of the scale. Neither will attract much collector interest.

    The parts in question won't be available on the market. Even if they were I wouldn't ever think of replacing them as neither of these old guns can be guaranteed safe to shoot... And without the means to strike a primer they're pretty safe.

    Obviously your family history will far outweigh any market value these old guns might have. Give them a nice coat of oil and display them proudly.

    Nord
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  • Xracer
    Centeral Arms Co. was a trade name used by the W.H. Davenport FA Co. of Norwich, CT. on shotguns made for Shapleigh Hardware Co. of St. Louis, MO.

    Davenport was in business from 1880 until 1909. They were a typical boxlock shotgun of the era, but on the upper end of the "hardware store shotgun" scale.

    Depending on model and condition, your Central Arms shotgun could be worth from $150 to $600.

    I doubt if you'll be able to find parts for either of them, but a competent gunsmith should be able to make those parts.....if you're willing to spend the $$$$$.
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  • jsm
    On closer inspection, it is L C Smith and not J O. The gun is in fairly good shape.All original parts.I'm not sure what you mean by damaskastube or fluid steel,could you enlighten me there? there is no marking on the bottom of barrel and the barrels have welded ribs or something like that if that makes a difference.
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  • nord
    L.C. Smith... A premier maker of domestic shotguns. First made in Syracuse, NY. Later by Hunter Arms in Fulton, NY. Last made by Marlin Arms.

    You ask about damascus tubes... Look for a "barber-pole" effect on the tubes and a brown finish versus a deep blue.

    Gauge is very important and you've failed to share that with us. 20 ga. guns and smaller will be worth a premium.

    Now to the details -

    Early Smith's will be stamped with the makers name and the Syracuse address. A serial number will be stamped on the barrel flats and also on the receiver flats that face the barrels. I suspect that you'll find more stampings there and they'll tell a more complete story.

    Hunter Arms guns are the most common Smith's. Again, they're always marked as above, but with Hunter Arms Fulton, NY on the opposite tube.
    Depending on the grade you may expect to see either "Armour Steel" or "Royal Steel" stamped on the underside of the tubes. Either stamping indicates fluid steel tubes.

    Marlin guns are too late to be of any consequence here. They appeared for a short time in the 50's and again in the 60's.

    Now after all this... We need a complete and accurate description of this gun. ALL THE DETAILS. If you fail to supply such, then all I can say is that you own an american classic.

    As a point of reference please humor me and shoulder your Central Arms clunker, then shoulder and swing the Smith. Don't be offended about the "clunker" term as you'll understand what I mean once you've made the comparison.

    One last comment... I disagree with the value given for the Central Arms gun. Only almost new or very small gauge guns of this type will arouse much interest. Compare the two and you'll see why I stand by my first post.

    Nord
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