Author Topic: A couple Lester Smith rifles (Read 6665 times)

Mike Brooks · « **on:** September 10, 2019, 11:48:37 PM »

I believe these are "above average". Especially when you consider they were built pre 1970. The bench gun is probably the most decorated Smith gun in existence. The inlays are flawless, not a gap anywhere. The bench gun weighs 15 1/2lbs...looks .45 or .50 and about 1" across the flats.

image upload

Mike Brooks · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2019, 11:52:11 PM »

Here's another, light 7 1/2lb gun in .38 cal. Again, flawless inlays. Gold inlay in the cock and various gold areas on the patchbox toe plate etc.

Mike Brooks · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2019, 11:53:02 PM »

I'm going to have to get a better camera, I think it's played out.

Stoner creek · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2019, 11:58:34 PM »

It’s going to be a very long week

. Buckle those girls up on your drive to Friendship!!!

realtorone · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2019, 01:03:03 AM »

Beautiful workmanship, Outstanding for pre 1979

sqrldog · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2019, 02:09:06 AM »

How would you like to be able to inlet that wear plate with all those piercings and do it that well. Wayne certainly a nice addition to your collection. Too often the early builders don't get the credit they deserve for their work. Lester certainly liked to engrave and did a good job of it. Congratulations on acquiring a couple of great Johnson School rifles. I look forward to seeing them maybe in January at the Wheeler Show.

Stoner creek · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2019, 02:24:39 AM »

Quote from: sqrldog on September 11, 2019, 02:09:06 AM

How would you like to be able to inlet that wear plate with all those piercings and do it that well. Wayne certainly a nice addition to your collection. Too often the early builders don't get the credit they deserve for their work. Lester certainly liked to engrave and did a good job of it. Congratulations on acquiring a couple of great Johnson School rifles. I look forward to seeing them maybe in January at the Wheeler Show.

I’m planning on being there! Just sent a check to Brother Parker today. I’ll try to remember to bring those two along.

smart dog · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2019, 02:47:21 AM »

Hi,
So Mike, how do those rifles square with your distaste of "Las Vegas" guns?

dave

Cades Cove Fiddler · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2019, 06:05:04 PM »

.... Wow,... great art work ,... !!! ...really fine examples of his skill and talent,... Silver work, engraving, and carving are outstanding, but how about that wood in the lighter rifle,...

... Thanx, Mike, and congrats Wayne,.... !!!

Craig Wilcox · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2019, 10:39:49 PM »

Really like that little curlicue at the breech line on the off-side. Nicely done, for sure.
Mr. Smith certainly knew how to make a rifle stand out from the crowd. Makes me wonder if either rifle was used in competition - I'd be afraid of getting a ding in one of them.
Sure does give one incentive to keep improving on the builds.
Mike, thanks for showing Wayne's addition to his collection - beautiful work.

Shreckmeister · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2019, 11:39:10 PM »

Try inletting this one. I can't even imagine it.

Stoner creek · « **Reply #11 on:** September 12, 2019, 02:16:34 AM »

More than a couple of hours work I'd guess I can't imagine just cutting this out of a piece of sheet.

Mike Lyons · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2019, 04:44:43 AM »

Those are unreal. I bet he could give some good pointers.

mountainman70 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2019, 10:18:15 PM »

Quote from: Stoner creek on September 12, 2019, 02:16:34 AM

More than a couple of hours work I'd guess I can't imagine just cutting this out of a piece of sheet.

Me neither. Would have to have a sizable jug o ambition handy , Stoner.
Sho nuff make ya go blind a sawin an filin. Might as well let the "Ambition" jug help/ hahaha. Have a goodun y'all. Dave

Bob McBride · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2019, 12:13:59 AM »

Gosh damsel in distress those are nice...

WadePatton · « **Reply #15 on:** September 13, 2019, 01:05:52 AM »

Quote from: Bob McBride on September 13, 2019, 12:13:59 AM

Gosh damsel in distress those are nice...

Hey that's what I was gonna say! Great Guns!

Stoner creek · « **Reply #16 on:** September 13, 2019, 02:09:11 AM »

I'm going to get these guns out for everyone to enjoy.

Daryl · « **Reply #17 on:** September 13, 2019, 08:09:41 PM »

Those are absolutely amazing. I thought this one was good.

Terry Reynolds · « **Reply #18 on:** September 15, 2019, 02:37:06 AM »

Quote from: Stoner creek on September 13, 2019, 02:09:11 AM

I'm going to get these guns out for everyone to enjoy.

…..and this is exactly what Wayne did. He let me hold and examine both rifles at Friendship today and I appreciate the opportunity. What beautiful rifles they are and to have a owner that is very willing to share them with the rest of us.

Thank you sir.

Gary Tucker · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2019, 07:42:07 PM »

Got a chance to see these rifles yesterday at Friendship.. Absolutely beautiful! One thing that dosen't show in the photos is the ramrod channel that is lined in brass. Amazing work. The thimbles are actually part of the liner and are not pinned to the stock in the traditional manner. Thanks for letting me examine those rifles Wayne.

oldtravler61 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 16, 2019, 12:46:05 AM »

Wayne is a true gentleman when it comes to showing his guns. He just hands them to you ! None of this becareful, don't scratch it stuff.
He handed me some really nice guns. That I was afraid of dropping..! He never even a gave it a second thought..! Oldtravler

Bob McBride · « **Reply #21 on:** September 16, 2019, 01:25:53 AM »

Wayne, were you and Mike in the booth today? I walked around the row hoping to catch a peek at those Smith Rifles....

Stoner creek · « **Reply #22 on:** September 16, 2019, 01:49:07 AM »

Both of us Old Timers ran out of energy and left Sunday morning.
I’ll have these guns out for everyone to enjoy at some Longrifle shows in the upcoming year!

B.Barker · « **Reply #23 on:** September 21, 2019, 03:51:13 AM »

May have to make a trip to stoner creek and see them first hand. Nice rifles Wayne.

Craig Wilcox · « **Reply #24 on:** September 21, 2019, 05:58:42 PM »

Mike or Wayne - The first rifle pictured, what material for all those inlays? It looks like silver, either sterling or pure. I think if I had made it, I would have used Sterling as it is a bit more scratch and dent resistant.
Both are absolutely wonderful to see.

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Author Topic: A couple Lester Smith rifles (Read 6665 times)

realtorone