GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
LEFEVER SPECIAL ORDER FE GRADE WITH WHAT APPEAR TO BE ORIGINAL 27" BARRELS. LEFEVER FE GRADE O36285 12 GA MODERN; IVORY Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 27" Damascus bbls are fitted with slightly raised, matted rib. There are no Lefever markings to be found. Interesting SN with "O" prefix is on bottom of left bbl. This prefixed SN is also on water table along with grade. Inspection of muzzles shows the bbls lay together and full keels are present, leading one to believe that these bbls are orig length. Typical case hardened action features automatic safety, automatic ejectors, and double triggers. Cocking indicators are not operable. Action is engraved with sprays of scroll within line and geometric borders. A well engraved grouse sits in open woodlands on left lockplate, and a duck is flying toward viewer from marsh on right. "LEFEVER ARMS CO" is on each plate. Lightly streaked European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-1/2" over orig Lefever composition buttplate. Point pattern checkering is at grip. Matching splinter forend with large steel central escutcheon and steel tip, has usual spring release. Bore diameter: left -.738, right -.738. Bore restrictions: left -.010 (IC), right -.011 (IC). Choke in left bbl begins 2" from muzzle. Wall thickness: left -.028, right -.030. Drop at heel: 2-3/4", drop at comb: 1-3/4". Weight: 6 lbs 14 oz. LOP: 13-1/2". CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain 70 - 80% orig bold Damascus finish, thinning and silvering from normal hand wear. Action retains approx 30% orig case hardening color, vivid where protected, thinned and silvered around bottom and on fences. Lockplates retain over 90% of their orig case hardening color which is quite strong. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their orig finish, as well, with numerous marks. Forend considerably worn, and with many dents. Checkering soiled and gummed. Bores are very fine, lightly frosted, and with a few scattered light pits. There is evidence of a dent being raised 8" behind muzzle of left bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. An "as found" example of this relatively scarce Lefever grade, which was in competition with the G. H. E. Parker and L. C. Smith 2 grade. "Certifiable pre-ban ivory" rear bead. 49224-12 MGM72 (2,000-4,000)