L. C. Smith Speaks for Itself

Transcription

1 Publication of the LC Smith Collectors Association Published Quarterly March, June, September, And December 2007 LC Smith Collectors association L. C. Smith Speaks for Itself Volume 5, Issue 3 September 2007 Many Good Men (and Women) By Frank Finch, Jr., Executive Director of the LCSCA Special points of interest: Executive Director article. Current Events Collectors Corner & Smith Distinction Election Future Events Club News Inside this issue: Many Good Men (and Women) California Event 2 OGCA Show 2 Collectors Corner 5 Smith Distinction 8 Board of Directors Election 4th Annual Turkey Shoot 10 Vintage Cup 10 Club News 13 Yellow Page 14 Classified Unlike the Marine Corps slogan, We want a few good men, the L.C. Smith Collectors Association is seeking many good men, women and young adults to join us in increasing our membership throughout our ranks all across the USA! A suggestion made at our Annual Meeting by a Life Member, to stimulate new membership, was to appoint Regional Representatives throughout our country. This plan would help promote development of LCSCA in geographic areas not currently active. This proposal, in review by our Board, allows for the appointment of a regional representative whose duties would be promote and secure membership, host a display table at local gun show/shooting events and attend/assist LCSCA sponsored events in that area. The proposal would include individual calling cards to be made for each representative. Although the BOD and LCSCA organization would provide guidance, support and promotional materials, the regional rep would have the desire and resources to represent the organization in a proper manner which would result in positive publicity. Anyone wishing to be considered for a regional representative position, please call me at (732) or me at frankfinch@msn.com. We want you! In following the theme of regional representation, the nominating committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Jim Stubbendieck reviewed the list of 70+ Life Members to select three excellent candidates to run for the two open positions on the Board of Directors created by expiration of terms of Tom Archer and Bill Winter. Tom and Bill have chosen to step down after having served on the BOD since We want to thank them for their contributions. At the time of our organization, we elected officers from the roster consisting mostly of members in the North East. This year, the nominating committee added geographic location to the selection criteria in an effort to obtain a more representative BOD to our current national membership. Included in this Newsletter is a ballot and you will be asked to select of TWO of the three nominees. The Bios of Chris Baumohl, our competent current Treasurer from Alabama, Mike Lewis from Texas, and Tom Breeden from Maryland are included to help you in your voting decision. At this time, I would like to thank (Continued on page 14)

2 PAGE 2 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 Current Events L.C. Smith Speaks for Itself By Robert T. Devlin For the second annual Colonies v Colonials meeting of the California Side by Side Society/ L.C. Smith Collectors Association, a congenial group of side by side shooters gathered at the Coyote Valley Sporting Clays facility just south of San Jose on Saturday, June 23, Under the leadership of Bob Shimmon, winner of the 2006 competition, and his wife Gail, we were treated to ideal shooting conditions under sunny skies with a cool breeze in the shade of the scrub oak trees. Of the total 27 guns, a total of ten L. C. Smith s were entered in the seventy-five clay bird competition with a variety of gauges dominated by the powerful 12 bore. A variety of sporting clays stations were used giving the shooters the opportunity to test their skills against one another in friendly competition. Following the completion of the sporting clays course, 34 entrants and guests retired to the comfort of the shade of the oak tree grove picnic area to a well prepared barbecue lunch and beverage of choice. On display were members and guests side by side shotguns to include Executive Director s Frank Finch s 12 bore A1 and Specialty grade L.C.s and Western Director Dean Rasmussen s 12 bore Premier grade and other L.C. s from his extensive collection. Larry Ruppert displayed a beautiful cased 12 bore Pigeon grade. A wide array of lower grade L.C. s were also on display to include Ideal Grade, O Grade and Field Grade L.C. s in 12, 16 and 20 bore configurations. The Winners in the 75 Sporting Clays Competition were: Top Gun Rob Shelton McCrick 12 Bore Runner Up Bill Moorhead L.C. Smith 16 Bore L.C. Smith Award Bill Moorhead L.C. Smith 16 Bore Small Bore Award Larry Stauch L.C. Smith 20 Bore Spirit of Diana Award Jane Mele L.C. Smith 12 Bore Bob and Betsy Devlin Larry Stauch Small Bore Award

3 PAGE 3 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 Rob Shelton (Top Gun), Bob Devlin, and Roger Stuart Frank Finch, Bob Devlin, and Bill Moorhead (Top Gun Runner UP) Jane Mele Spirit of Diana Award Frank Finch and Dean Rasmussen enjoying the LC Smith display (and some of the liquid refreshments)

4 PAGE 4 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 The Ohio Gun Collectors Show By Frank Finch, Jr. The OGCA Show at the Roberts Center in Wilmington, OH held July 13 to 15, 2007 was a success. The theme of the show was "Matched Doubles" which consisted of A2s of the 4th variation in 12 and 20 gauges, Grade 4s in 12 and 20 gauges, Premier Skeets in 12 and 20 gauges, Skeet Specials in 12 and 20 gauges, Ideals in 16 and 20 gauges, Traps in 20 and 410, and Crowns in 12 and 410. Cliff White added matching pins and money clips and a show stopping "LC Smith Team" Silver Trophy awarded in the early 1900s at a live pigeon shoot in Pennsylvania. The booth was manned by Len Applegate, Cliff White, Brenda White, Mary Anne and myself. Many LC Smith members and interested collectors came by to chat about their LC Smith guns. We discussed restorations, stock repairs, grade identifications and "where to find collectable guns". We sold five hats and one membership with "promises" for five more memberships. There were several "walk in" nice LC Smith 20 gauge Field Grade guns for sale, in addition to the several "00, Field and Specialty Grade" guns on tables at the show. Sadly, my 20 gauge Grade 1 did not materialize at the show. The weekend and show was well worth the long ride. Current Events Now That s A Trophy!! LC Smith Team Trophy to Pennsylvania Federated Sportsman s Association in 1910 Len Applegate, Brenda and Cliff White, and Mary Anne and Frank Finch

5 PAGE 5 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 Refining the Type II Ejector Mechanism By Tom Archer By virtue of the benefit and study of period advertisements, catalogs, and actual direct gun usage over time in game fields and at target ranges, it quickly becomes evident to any serious researcher the reasons why virtually every vintage American double gun design (in production for any length of time) was a work in process (about the only exceptions were those examples placed into production on already proven designs). A study of various makers reveals some design changes to be subtle; others not at all subtle, but generally all such design changes were intended to increase gun reliability, longevity, and customer confidence. But a fair number of these design modifications were not intended to strengthen and improve gun design, but were instead to allow for the incorporation of optional mechanical devices such as the single trigger and autoejectors; devices solely intended to increase desirability and to positively impact company sales and revenues. Personally, I am intrigued by period examples having such options as selective automatic ejectors, and those pesky single selective trigger mechanisms: although single triggers, because their designs are somewhat delicate and prone to wear causing timing problems, are devices I cannot understand and therefore a topic on which I cannot maintain any level of sophisticated conversation (I would not be surprised if Hunter had at least one full-time employee devoted just to single trigger repair!). But automatic ejectors are a different matter entirely; and from a purely practical standpoint, were probably the first mechanically viable optional device of any real consequence, as regards increased sales; for the idea of having instantly empty chambers would carry very strong appeal to any shooter who had ever spent an afternoon in a hot corner! Obviously auto-ejectors aren t necessary for all shooting situations, but Hunter Arms, and most likely all period double gun makers upon the introduction of even the most primitive repeating shotguns, instantly recognized that the concept of a reliable auto-ejector device on a double gun represented a viable means to attract the more modern minded customer seeking increased firepower ; so Hunter became one of the first domestic double gun makers to design and market their own ejector mechanism, introducing that device as standard equipment on their top-of-the-line A grade series (the A1 and the A2). This auto-ejector device Collectors Corner was so well received that shooters soon demanded the same option on lower grade Smith guns; so that in rapid fashion, auto-ejectors were available on all models of the Smith hammerless gun. And this move was also good for revenues, as it quickly became apparent that shooters were more than willing to pay the additional $25 admission price for the device; more money than an entire period Smith hammer gun sold for, and at only a fraction of the materials and labor cost to produce! But this early ejector system (labeled and described by Colonel Brophy as the Type I autoejector system) had its problems; so that prior to 1900, Hunter was already hard at work on a stronger and more reliable ejector design that we now identify (also thru Colonel Brophy s work) as the Type II ejector design, patented May 28, The new Type II design has it own peculiarities (ejector springs cock on closing for instance, making a Smith ejector gun close slightly on the stiff side); but the overall design was solid and proven to be very reliable in practical use (did not wear quickly minimizing timing problems, was powered by coil springs that seldom break, etc), and the design itself was so reliable that it remained virtually unchanged thru the end of Smith gun production in But this design, as good as it is, was not without some significant early refinement; and the purpose of this essay is to share those subtle differences with the collector who may, during his collecting activities, see an early example of the Smith gun with a somewhat unusual version of the Type II ejector device. At some point, we were all novice collectors. Initially we associate Hunter s trademarked banjo style escutcheon with ejectors; then are disappointed to learn that all Smith guns featuring that unique banjo style fore arm release do not have the auto-ejector option (the reinforced roll-release was used on all graded post manual extractor Smith guns with the exception of a few examples having the push-button Curtis fore arm fastener). But for the sake of this discussion, we will acknowledge that Smith guns fitted with Type II ejectors do feature; and are easily identified by the unique rollrelease escutcheon we reference as the banjo style escutcheon. But many collectors do not realize this much beloved banjo style escutcheon was preceded by another style that is seldom seen. The earliest Type II Smith ejector guns had their fore arms adorned with a round escutcheon secured to the fore arm wood via two small exposed wood screws. This feature was only in production for a brief period, and will be found on Type II ejector guns manufactured just prior to, and shortly (Continued on page 6)

6 PAGE 6 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 (Refining the Type II Ejector Mechanism, Continued from page 5) after, the May 28, 1901 ejector patent grant date. But a less obvious (unless the fore iron is removed) difference between the very first, and later, Smith Type II ejector guns was the size and shape of the iron itself. Later Type II irons are approximately ½ inch longer than their earlier counterparts, and the base noticeably wider (from an original width of nine sixteenths inch to eleven sixteenths inch). As we will see herein, these changes offered some very practical advantages to the shooter as well as the manufacturer. Let us begin by examining the wider base found on later Type II Smith ejector irons. Anyone who has ever removed and reattached a Smith ejector iron quickly realizes the amount of spring tension and physical exertion required to execute this process; so we veterans do so very carefully to insure we avoid marring finishes or damaging the forearm. I suspect 1900 era Smith gun owners also learned some hard lessons with the peculiarities of attaching the fore iron on a Smith ejector gun with hammers in the fired position; but those of us who were forced to learn of this peculiarity on our own quickly realized that such action can, and often will, result in damage to fore arm wood, as placing excessive force on the tip of fore arm during the reattachment process can crack fore arm wood and even damage (bend) the iron itself. In such an instance as just described I suspect Hunter learned these very early irons required reinforcement; and realizing that fact, widened the iron at the base for added strength at that critical point. The fore iron strap was also lengthened approximately ½ for reasons we will soon explore; but, after the reinforcement modification to the base of the iron, most damage thereafter caused by shooter error was limited to fore arm wood itself (usually cracking/splitting forearm wood).. The second modification was to the escutcheon. Although now universally accepted among collectors, the actual banjo shape given to the escutcheon itself is not the least bit necessary; it represents only the results of an executive decision as evidenced by the fact that this escutcheon shape was later changed to a much simpler long oval; and also by the fact that this same escutcheon, on a high-grade Smith gun, could take almost any shape desired. For the sake of discussion however, let us limit our study to pre-1913 Smith Type II ejector models only, and specifically the transition period from the initial introduction of the Type II ejector option to its final form during the ladder portion of The earliest Type II Smith ejector guns will feature a round escutcheon (as noted earlier) secured by two small external screws. Most shooters would be perfectly pleased with the appearance of the round style escutcheon; and without removing the fore arm for a more detailed examination, would conclude any differences between the earliest Type II ejector guns and slightly later examples relate only to the appearances of the escutcheons themselves. But the differences are much greater than the escutcheon shape implies, as the production change to a banjo shaped escutcheon actually represented increased strength to the iron itself; as well as increased long-term durability of fore arm wood. Let us examine these differences more closely. First of all, the round escutcheon, except for providing a housing for the roll-release, clearly served no purpose other than esthetics. The two very small visible wood screws, one on either side of the knurled roll, secure the escutcheon to the fore arm wood; and with use, become loose under repeated recoil (a problem that would be exacerbated should the fore arm wood became oil soaked). Since this round escutcheon is not secured directly to the iron, it provided no added strength in securing and maintaining a tight wood to metal bond at a critical point near the fore arm tip. Additionally, an examination of the attached photos reveals that the front (tip) portion of the iron on guns having the earliest Type II ejector device was anchored by a short machine screw secured to a square nut inletted into the wood surface beneath the escutcheon. All fore irons must be secured in some fashion to the fore arm tip; but the necessary removal of wood required for inletting the escutcheon; plus additional wood for the nut itself, left only a thin area of wood at this critical point. With the benefit of 20/20 hind-sight, Hunter obviously realized this flaw very early in production and immediately sought to address the problem. Hunter s solution was actually quite simple; they lengthened the fore iron strap by approximately ½ inch, lengthened the original round escutcheon by the same amount (electing to use the trademarked banjo shape in the process), then anchored the escutcheon (Continued on page 7)

7 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF PAGE 7 (Refining the Type II Ejector Mechanism, Continued from page 6) directly to the fore iron strap itself creating a tremendously solid wood to metal bond at the critical pressure point. The fact that this new banjo style escutcheon was merely a modification of the original round escutcheon is easily demonstrated by placing the earlier round style escutcheon over the later banjo style; which, when done, quickly reveals that the banjo escutcheon Early Type II Ejector round escutcheon fore arm iron attachment nut Serial Number 5428 (left) early Type II Ejector with narrow fore end iron and number 6189 with reinforced iron were ever shipped with the very early short style Type II ejector iron and round escutcheon. As only a few examples exist, having the benefit of this information and being able to apply that knowledge first hand when an example does surface often makes one s collecting efforts much more rewarding. is simply the original round escutcheon with an added neck. In addition to the advantage of providing strength at a critical point of stress, this modification lowered production costs to some degree by eliminating two screws, the square nut, and the additional labor for inletting and fitting. To better understand the production changes noted herein, carefully examine the attached photos; gun #5428 (shipped in June 1901), was one of the first Smith guns to bear the May 28, 1901 patent date for the Type II ejector option (another example, the Pratt gun, #5020 and originally featured in the Double Gun Journal, has this same early Type II ejector system; but with the words Patent Applied For engraved on the iron and was shipped prior to the Type II patent grant date). Clearly seen in this example is the very early round release escutcheon and shorter fore iron. Gun #6189 was shipped only slightly later in 1901; and, and as seen in the photos, that fore iron clearly exhibits the features of the later Type II iron (wider base, longer strap, and modified banjo style escutcheon). Again, Smith guns with the early Type II ejector features are rare, as only a handful of Smith guns Early round Escutcheon on top of more familiar Banjo style

8 PAGE 8 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 Smith Distinction Introduction By Drew Hause & Bill Hambidge "The Smith has balance, poise, a well rounded perfection of mechanism and pattern and range that affords outstanding Smith Distinction." Smith Distinction Distinction - to stand above or apart from the commonplace and ordinary. Certainly Tom Archer s Collector s Corner has done just that over the last two years. And it is with a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm that Dr Bill Hambidge and I take over from Tom in the next Newsletter. Like the shop foreman walking the floors in the Hunter Arms Co. building on Hubbard St., Tom promises to keep a close eye on both of us. Dr Bill is certainly an expert in Smith mechanical and artistic design and function. I m more of a scribe; collecting and organizing information (hopefully) in an educational and entertaining way. It s unlikely we ll add anything to the exhaustive scholarship of John Houchins L.C. Smith The Legend Lives, but we might contribute to the practical application of that knowledge. And occasionally discuss some of the endless minutiae that makes messing with these great guns such fun. It does seem that the more we learn, the more we come to understand how much we still don t know. The L.C. Smith is indeed the Gun that speaks for itself, but Dr Bill and I want to lend a helping hand in that regard. In the next Newsletter we ll discuss how The Gun of Perfection might benefit from a little perfecting with Acraglas. L. C. Smith Challenge Cup Team (L to R) John Butler, Mike Lewis, Mike Harris, Don Shumaker, Kimball Ferguson, Steve Arnett, Ray Ward, Chris Dunlap, James Fincannon, Don Nickerson, and Team Manager Tom Archer The Editor Can t Count By Len Applegate, Editor LCSCA Newsletter As Kimball Ferguson pointed out the LC Smith Challenge Cup Team picture had eleven people (and one dog) in it but only 10 called out. Kimball got left out and I am sorry. It is a challenge just to be good enough to get on the team, it shouldn t be a challenge to get identified in the picture. Thanks Kimball for pointing that out.

9 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF PAGE 9 Board of Directors Election By Len Applegate It s that time of year again. Two members of the L.C. Smith Collector Association are up for election. Both incumbents Bill Winter and Tom Archer have decided not to run again so you can t just choose the incumbents. The election nominating committee has presented a slate of three candidates from which you need to choose two. Chris Baumohl, Tom Breeden, and Mike Lewis are life members in the organization and would like to serve on the board. Your ballot is enclosed with this newsletter. It is addressed so all you need to do is mark your choice of members to serve on the board for a three year term, fold it as shown, put a first class stamp on it and drop it in the mail. Please vote! Chris Baumohl is a native of Lexington, KY and now resides in Huntsville, AL with his wife and son. He is a target shooter, bird hunter and shotgun trader. Chris earned a BS in accounting at Indiana University. He is a partner in G-Squared, LLC and serves as the controller for Victory Sweepers, Inc. Raised in the Bluegrass, Chris grew up with a grandfather who cherished the shooting and hunting heritage and an encouraging father who exposed him to many different and collectable arms. Thus stimulated, this passion for hunting and shooting continued to grow and eventually led to an interest in American doubles and his first L.C. Smith, a bore Field Grade. Today, he owns a modest collection of Smiths. He has served as the LCSCA treasurer since January As a director, he would seek opportunities to enhance organizational growth, encourage fellowship, and continue efforts to promote research into the history of the L.C. Smith gun. Townsend D. Breeden, Tom, was born and nurtured through puberty in Georgetown Washington DC, joined the Navy on the North Atlantic Early Warning Barrier during the Korean War, received bachelor s and master s degrees in electrical engineering, contributed to the nation s space efforts over 40 years progressing from spacecraft hardware design engineer to president and board of directors of small startups and mid-sized aerospace companies. A current resident of Maryland, he is a 50+ year Patron Member of the NRA, 40+ year member of the Izaak Walton League holding chapter, state and national offices, past president of the National Capital Skeet and Trap Club, a charter/life member of the LCSCA and a 35 year trap shooter. Among his winnings was Class C Singles champ at the 2003 Maryland and Virginia State shoots with a 1936 LC Smith SBT gun but has yet to realize another ambition to place an LC Smith in the winners circle at a Grand American event. Mike Lewis resides in Katy, Texas where he is active participant in activities of the Texas Side x Side Club and the National Sporting Clays Association. He grew up in Oklahoma, served in the military, and received his education at Oklahoma State University. He learned to hunt quail at a young age and continues to hunt whitewing and mourning doves, quail, waterfowl, and pheasants. Mike is President of International Operations of the Total Safety Company. The company provides safety solutions to the upstream, refinery and general industrial markets. He manages safety services for major clients in many Mideast and African countries and serves as director of eight international companies. His industry has recognized Mike for exceptional organizational building skills as well as the ability to motivate others on all levels in the achievement of organizational goals. He would like to put those skills to work for the LCSCA by spreading the word about the organization, organizing shooting events, and building membership in his region.

10 PAGE 10 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 Future Events L.C. Smith Collectors Association Presents The 4th Annual Turkey Shoot November 3, AM to 5PM MUST SHOOT AN L.C. SMITH WHERE: FORMAT: Prince Georges Trap and Skeet 1040 Good Luck Road Glen Dale, MD Phone: Round 5 Stand (25 targets) 1 Round 50 Targets Sporting Clays Price: $45.00 OPTIONAL EVENT: 1 Round Hammer Gun Skeet Price: $9.00 PRIZES: LUNCH: High Gun in each venue receives award certificate Drawing for a turkey in each event (5 Stand, Sporting Clays and Hammer Gun) Catered lunch will be provided (details to follow) COST: Lunch fee is included in shooters price. Cost of luncheon for non shooters is $ CONTACT: FOR PROPER LUNCH COUNT - PRE-REGISRATION IS REQUIRED For registration and information, please contact Bill Winter ( ) OR shotgunwilllie@comcast.net 11th Annual Vintage Cup By Andy Anderson The Order of Edwardian Gunners, A.K.A. the Vintagers, will hold their main annual event at Pintail Point on September 27-30, Pintail Point is a large, well appointed, shooting facility. It is located on Maryland s famous Eastern Shore not too far from the Eastern end of the Annapolis bridge. The LCSCA has had a booth at the event the last four years when it was held at Sandanona, near Millbrook, N.Y. We will have a booth at Pintail Point, as well. Our Display will highlight LC s from the Winter 2006 Double Gun Journal article L.C. Smith Double & Single Trap Guns. This article was authored by my good friend and fellow LCSCA Charter and Life member Towsend Tom Breeden. We hope to display all six guns featured in the article. Normally our Vintager display contains twelve to 14 guns. For the remainder of the display we would like to show members favorites. If you have a L.C. you would like to have included please contact Andy Anderson at (845) The guns need not be pristine. I would really like to know why it is your favorite L.C.

11 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF PAGE 11

12 PAGE 12 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 L.C. Smith The Legend Lives by John Houchins To purchase a copy, call (800) and ask for Walker or newlcsmithbook@bellsouth.net Walker Houchins 422 North Trade Street Winston-Salem, NC Trade Edition: $ $10.00 S&H North Carolina Residence add State Sales Tax Make checks payable to L.C. Smith Book

13 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF Club News PAGE 13 Stolen Guns The unthinkable happened to Jim Reid at the Southern Side-by-Side. Hen had 4 guns stolen from his locked car at his motel. Please be on the lookout for the following. Stolen Gun List GUNS TAKEN IN SANFORD, NC Please look for the following guns taken from member Jim Reid ( ) 1. FN (Fabrique National) SN # 1950 High Grade 20 Ga and 28 Ga set 28 barrels 2. Parker Bros SN # Ga VH Delgrego refurb 25 barrels 3. LC Smith SN # Ga 2E selective trigger 30 barrels 4. LC Smith SN # Ga Premier Skeet double trigger 28 barrels REWARD OFFERED 2007 Events Date Event Location Arrival Date Lodging/Address 9/27-30/07 Vintage Cup Pintail Point 9/27/07 Queenstown, MD 10/20-21/07 Tulsa Gun Show Tulsa. OK 10/19/07 11/3/07 4 th Annual Turkey Shoot Prince Georges Trap and Skeet 1040 Good Luck Road Glen Dale, MD Phone (301) /3/07

14 PAGE 14 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 L. C. Smith Yellow Page Dutchman Wood Works: Reproduction Butt Plates & Grip Caps Stockmaking Repairs and Restorations. Larry Schuknecht (716) shoptalk@dutchmanwoodworks.com 7750 Salt Road, Clarence Center, N.Y Galazan 35 Woodland St. New Britain, CT (800) Contact: Tony Galazan Specialty: Fine Doubles and Accessories Marsh Creek Outfitters: Firearms Sales & Service Appraisals-Consignments- Repairs (812) , Bill & Marsha Carrithers P.O. Box 238, 108 W. Harrison, Carlisle, IN The Stock Doctor Custom Stocks, checkering, stock repair, and refinishing. Dennis Smith Tygh Valley RD Tygh Valley, OR Phone/Fax (541) thestockdr@riflemag.com Dawson's Doubles 101 D. D. Lane Spring Branch, Texas Shop cell benton@gvtc.com ( Many Good Men (and Women), Continued from page 1) both Tom and Bill for their hard work on behalf of LCSCA over the years. Tom has been the force behind the LC Smith vs. Parker Challenge Cup at the Southern Side by Side and creator of Collectors Corner in our newsletter. Bill has been the creator of our fine displays at the Maryland Arms Collectors Association (Baltimore) Show and point man for our Annual Turkey Shoots. We thank both of these gentlemen for their dedication and hard work on behalf of LCSCA. We all have benefited from their contributions and look forward to their continued assistance to our organization. While announcing changes, Tom Archer s Collectors Corner article, discussing Type II Ejectors in this issue, will be his last article for a while. Drs. Bill Hambidge and Drew Hause with help from Beth Jones will begin a column in the next issue called Smith Distinction. Please see Drs. Bill and Drew introduction to their column in this issue. We have enjoyed the advice they have given to needy questioners on the lcsmith.org Forum over the last few years and look forward to reading their informative and helpful articles in upcoming columns. Most recently, with the help of Jim Stubbendieck, Kim Weide and Tom Archer, Drs. Bill and Drew have added a frequently asked questions, FAQs page to our website. Thank you Drs. Bill, Drew and Beth for your willingness to share your knowledge with us. In June, I participated in The 2 nd Colonies versus the Colonials, jointly sponsored by the California Side by Side Society and LCSCA at Coyote Valley Sporting Clays in Morgan Hill, CA. The event was well organized by last year s winner, Bob Shimmon and Life Member Bob Devlin. The friendly competition drew 27 shooters with 10 of them being LC Smith guns. West coast member Bill Moorhead, won the LC Smith High Score Award and the 2 nd High Overall Gun Award, member Larry Stauch, won the Small Bore Event shooting a 20 ga. LC and Jane Mele, wife of member Jerry, won the Spirit of Diana Award, shooting her LC. Enthusiastic attendees displayed their LC Smiths and shared experiences at our display tables following a delicious barbeque lunch. (See Bob s report in this issue.) In July, Len Applegate, Cliff and Brenda White and Mary Anne and I attended the Ohio Gun Collectors Show held at the Roberts Center in Wilmington, OH. The theme of the show was Matched Pairs consisting of graded guns in different gauges but the highlight of our display was Cliff White s LC Smith Team Trophy presented in 1910 at a live pigeon shoot sponsored by the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen. The silver trophy was a real attention getter, with everyone stopping to ask about it. The show is a good one and OGCA continues to be a strong supporter of our organization. I recommend your future (Continued on page 15)

15 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 L. C. SMITH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF PAGE 15 L. C. Smith Classifieds The L.C. Smith Collectors Association accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the seller s description. All negotiations are strictly between the buyer and seller. The buyer and seller are responsible for complying with all applicable state and federal laws. NOTE: Ads are only run for one issue unless the advertiser contacts the publisher (Len Applegate) to continue to run the ad by the cut-off for the next issue. FOR SALE: A3 12 Gauge Straight Grip, 95% condition. Huey Case Call Cliff for details (404) GA LC Smith Field Grade IC/MOD 26 BBLS, raised rib overall cc 60%, mirror bores, BBL Blue 80%, good wood with new pad. Gun was made for US Army Air Force training, bbls are marked USA1. Serial # FWT195xxx. Asking $1650 (401) WANTED: L.C. Smith Grade 1 20 gauge Collector Quality. Frank (732) Interested in locating. L,C. Smith doubles serial numbers 500 through 541. Pete (763) (H) (612) (Cell) L.C. Smith Eagle Grade 16 gauge 90% or better original collector quality condition. Cliff (404) (Many Good Men (and Women), Continued from page 14) attendance. (See my summary in this issue.) Make an opportunity to gather your LC Smith and shooting gear, and head out to practice a few rounds to be ready for the autumn events. LCSCA has planned some wonderful opportunities for meeting new and current double gun enthusiasts and promoting our organization s objectives. September 27 to 30, 2007, at the Eleventh Annual Vintage Cup, we will exhibit the guns featured in the Winter 2006 DGJ article, L.C. Smith Double and Single Trap Guns by Tom Breeden. The event will be held at Pintail Point, Queenstown, MD. If you would like more information or wish to display your Elsie in our exhibit, please contact our Point man, Andy Anderson ( ). (See Andy s article in this issue.) LCSCA shooters will participate in the various shooting events, come join us in the fun. Our 4 th Annual Turkey Shoot will be held at Prince George s Trap and Skeet in Glen Dale, MD on November 3, The venue will include 5 Stand, Sporting Clays and optional Hammer Gun Skeet Shooting. Certificates will be awarded to the top LC Smith shooter in each event. A turkey drawing will be held for all participants in each of the three events. A catered luncheon will be included, to facilitate planning, we request reservations be made in advance. Please contact Bill Winter, our Point man at The event is open to all shooters using only LC Smith guns. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite LC for our club house table display. (See Bill s announcement in this issue.) I wish you wonderful autumn activities with your favorite LC Smith. And remember the call to be a regional representative for your area. In the words of C. Richardson, Take a risk. You have the power to move mountains.

16 PUBLICATION OF THE LC SMITH COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED QUARTERLY MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, AND DECEMBER 2007 LC SMITH COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION Organization Address: For the time being you can reach us in care of, L. C. Smith Collectors Association C/o Len Applegate 7572 Overglen DR West Chester, OH Phone: The purpose of The L.C. Smith Collectors Association is: 1. To Stimulate and educate members and the public in their knowledge of the history and production of the L.C. Smith shotgun. 2. To support the Cody Museum in utilization of the surviving L.C. Smith records. 3. To encourage creation of a L.C. Smith museum. 4. To encourage the value of good sportsmanship to members and the public. L.C. Smith the gun that speaks for itself 5. To promote a positive and responsible use of firearms to members and the public. Join the Team! L.C. Smith Collectors Shirts and Caps are available Caps $15 Shirts (Sm to 2XLg) $27 3XLg $29 Spin Wheel Fashions 2522 Littlestown Pike Westminster, MD (410) Same Price long or short sleeve Denim or Dri-Fast Polo Plus Shipping & Handling