Early Trap Guns

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Drew,

I have a LC Smith Syracuse made Quality 2 in 10 gauge that has that Trap Gun butt plate. It may have replaced the original on this 1887 Smith. What do you think?

Respectfully,
Mark

[Drew Hause]

Could be the earliest Mark. Unfortunately, I've not seen the 'Trap Gun' buttplate in Hunter Arms catalogs or advertisments, so it's hard to date.

The 1888 Syrascuse L.C. smith catalog had a testimonial dated May 27, 1887 from Elkhart, Ill. Dear Sir: "I have tested the two Hammerless guns that you made to my order and find them equal to any gun I have ever shot or examined. I think the fastening superior in construction to that of any gun that I have ever examined and it is my judgment that your guns will not become loose and shaky by hard usage. The guns hand and balance equal to any foreign gun that I am familiar with. Workmanship also good."
Yours Respectfully, CAPT A.H. BOGARDUS Champion Wing Shot of the World.

Harvey McMurchy left Cinncinnati for Syracuse in 1886, so it's likely Hunter Arms was promoting trap shooting as early as 1887.