LC Smith Ideal 20 Gauge Side by Side SxS 28 Inch Full x Full Shotgun MFD 1947, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3.676
LSB#: 150219WH01
Make: L. C. Smith
Model: Ideal Grade
Serial Number: 20815
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break, Side by Side (SxS) with Double Triggers and Ejectors
Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “L.C. SMITH – 20 GA. – Ideal – FULTON, N.Y. U.S.A” where “Ideal” is in script. The undersides of both barrels are partially marked “LONDON STEEL” but it is not entirely legible on either barrel. The right barrel has something stamped over “LONDON STEEL” that is illegible. Both barrel flats are marked “NP” and have a square “proof mark” that appears to be for a company rather than a country. The squares each contain an intertwined “MP” over a much smaller “A CO” and are not entirely clear. The left barrel flat is also marked “20815” over an “I” and a smaller “E”. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked with an incomplete either “I” or “1” followed by “E” over “20815”. The right barrel flat is marked “Fw S 20815 / IE”. Both side plates are marked “L. C. SMITH” with oak leaf engraving. The lower tang is marked “S-20815”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The bore constriction is about .040” for each barrel, making the chokes Full and Full.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a small white mid-rib bead and a larger white bead front sight. Both beads have taken on a slightly yellow cast with age. The rib is finely checkered, solid and raised significantly above the barrels.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The forearm has an inlet ebony tip and is relieved above the tip to provide a finger hold. There are only very light handling marks on the forearm and a few damaged checkering points on the left side that you have to search to see. The buttstock has a pistol grip with a smooth black grip cap secured with a screw. The buttstock has only very light handling marks with one significant mark on the belly about 1” from the rear. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the serrated black buttplate. The LOP from the rear trigger is about 7/8” less. The drop at the comb is about 1 3/8” and the drop at the heel is about 2 ¼”. The buttplate has some light marks in the smooth portions, but is easily in Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrels and Case Colored Receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light handling marks and a few freckles on the barrels. There are some bright spots on the sharp right hand edge of the raised rib. There is thinning on the serrations of the forearm latch. The case coloring remains vibrant and the oak leaf engraving is crisp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear except as discussed. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun was built on the L.C. Smith Featherweight frame. The auto safety works as do the ejectors. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is an Ideal grade 20 gauge L.C. Smith made in 1947. It has been well maintained and stored properly. This shotgun was built on the featherweight frame, as were most of the 20 gauges. It has Automatic Ejectors and what we believe to be a raised single sighting plane rib, both extras which could be ordered on this model. It has Full and Full 28” long barrels and double triggers. This side by side is in Excellent condition, particularly for a 95 year old field gun. Please see our pictures; this is a great opportunity for all you Elsie fans out there.