LC Smith Crown Grade
 

I have a nice little 20ga LC Smith Crown Grade with some interesting features and one, in particular, that I hope someone might have some insight about.

Straight stock, sfe, double triggers (finely checkered), beautifully figured stock, 26" M/F. It is marked (and measures) as 3" chambers.

What is unusual is that the gold bar at the rib is engraved: "CROWN" (in the same script as on the barrel) instead of the usual hashed marking. Made in 1914; one of the first Crown Grades produced.

I am wondering if anyone has seen similar marking on any LC Smith shotguns?

I can tell you I also owned a Crown 20 that was about a 99% gun. I don't recall the year of manufacture but it did not have the engraving you mention. Do you have a letter on yours? Your gun sounds wonderful !

Does it also have the gold inlay depicting a crown?





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All that and no pics ??:shock:

Yes, pics are a must.

I love Crown grades and grade 5 L C Smiths they are the best buys for what you get for the cost.
Let's see pictures

Golly. Sorry for the delay. Been out of town. To answer questions....

I do have a letter.
The gold crown is there.
Pics...I only have a few.:whistle:

Very nice. I am fond of straight stock small bores!

What was the total count of 20 gauge Crown Grades? I know it was very few or should I say I’ve heard there were very few made.





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145 20 gauge Crown Grades were produced.

Thanks Reggie - that’s more than I had heard. Yourself having owned one, I’ll take your word.





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Jon's LC Smith Collectors Assoc. letter should confirm that number.
My records indicate that the production #s were-
24"-1
26"-41
28"48
30"-29
32"-26

But that does seem higher than I would have guessed.

Crown Info
 

Some additional info as taken from a letter.

Randy I would guess you have a 32" Crown 20?

Yes Sir I do. A 32" VR version.

Please, what is “FwEOBV” represent?





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I know that FWE=featherweight frame w/ejectors.
O=Hunter One trigger "I think".
B=Beavertail "maybe"
V=Vent rib

That is just off the top of my head Dean. Randy probably can confirm/correct.

Yes Reggie you are correct. I am not exactly sure why Dr. Jim referenced those abbreviations in that particular letter in the manner in which he did. I have several other letters and I believe this to be the only one where he has gone to that extent.

Seems he did the same on the letter I had on my Crown 20. Please would you mind telling my wife I got something right!:rotf:

You have that problem too...thought it was just me. :rolleyes: