garage find L.C. Smith

[joab]

I just picked up a box full of shotgun parts that turned out to be according to the serial and some marking, a 1911 SxS 12 ga 00 Grade L.C. Smith made by Hunter Arms

I am assuming that the gun has been restored at one point because not only is the bluing almost perfect the side plates are blued not case hardened

There are some issues as far as it being stored in a shed in Florida but they are minor when I figure what the box cost me

To restore this thing to almost perfect will cost about $300

That includes a part set that will include the case hardened side plates that the gun really doesn't need to operate and about $200 to replace the cracked stock that it definitely does need

Anyone have any advice or sources for stocks
I don't like the semi pistol grip stock that is on it now anyway and want to get the straight stock if I can

 

[hatchetbearer]

where are these mystical garages full of old guns? best i ever found was the top half of what once was a 1911 frame sticking out of river mud

 

[Dave McCracken]

Well worth restoring, but....

A 1911 Elsie may have short chambers. This can be corrected most of the time.

If refinished, collector value is nil. As a shooter, it will be worth between $500 to 1000 now.

In your shoes, I'd get my measirements taken by a stock fitter, and have Wenig sculpt nice walnut into a new stock made to my specs.

Elsies tend to be good shooting shotguns, and a restored one that fits would be a joy forever....

 

[foghornl]

Only things I find in garages are 1/3-full paint cans, odd-ball sized fasteners of various types and worn out car parts.
/////Jealous mode off


Congrats on the great 'garage find'. Get it fixed-n-tuned, and enjoy for the next 100 years or so....

 

[joab]

It's taken me 30 years to find one of these deals, and I have been deligently looking

Thanks for the advice Dave
I was afraid that the restoration would completely destroy the resale value but apparently, unlike a lot of collectibles this guns seems to have value as a shooter also
I prefer that because if were worth too much I would never shoot it without feeling guilty

I'm looking into having the stock repaired or having one made now

 

[Dave McCracken]

Great! Keep us posted....