How can I determine the grade of my L.C. Smith shotgun?

Many different grades were made before 1913 (commonly referred to as pre-1913 guns), and the grades were changed in 1913 which can result in a lot of confusion. Proper reference materials are absolutely necessary to determine grade. Excellent resources are Houchin’s L.C. Smith: The Legend Lives and Brophy’s L.C. Smith Shotguns.

An additional source of information about the different grades may be found for the following eras:

• L.C. Smith, Maker, Syracuse, NY
  1880-1888 Qualities


• Hunter Arms Company, Fulton, NY
  Pre-1913 Grades
  1913-1945 Grades


• L.C. Smith Gun Company, Fulton, NY
  1945-1950 Grades


• Marlin Firearms Company, North Haven, CT
  1968-1971 Grades