GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
NICELY RESTORED EARLY LEFEVER AA SHOTGUN WITH EJECTORS.LEFEVERSIDE BY SIDE2497412 GA(ca 1896) Cal. 12 ga. 2-5/8" Chambers. Beautifully patterned 30" Damascus bbls with concave, matted rib are engraved "Lefever Arms Co." "Fine Damascus Steel" on tops. There are gold inlaid bands and 1-1/2" triangles of geometric and scroll engraving at breech ends, which also have filed in ogee embellishment, as found on all Lefever guns of Grade D and higher. Muzzles have bands of geometric engraving and fillets filed in to ribs. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with British provisional proofs, and bottom of left bbl with SN. Case hardened, transitional action with opposed fishhook cocking arms and sears mounted to sideplates, is fitted with in-frame ejector system which was to become Lefever''s standard offering. Water table is marked with grade "AA" and SN. Triggers are gold plated, and not checkered. Action is nicely filed with rebated lockplates and shamrock carved fences. Action is engraved with typical for Lefever, exquisitely cut scroll, flowers, and geometric borders surrounding exceptionally well detailed game scenes in oval vignettes; a bellowing elk with mountains in background is on left lockplate, and a pointing pointer is on right. Bottom of action portrays a pair of hunting dogs. A smaller oval portrait of a dog is on trigger plate, which is also engraved with patent dates, the latest being ''94. Trigger guard bow portrays classic Lefever spaniel retrieving a grouse. Action and lockplates have some gold embellishment which is not nearly as extensive as that found on Optimus grade guns, consisting of "LEFEVER ARMS CO" on tapered band on each lockplate, central portions of flowers on fences, another flower blossom on top lever, some scrolled gold wire flush inlaid around portrait of dogs on bottom of action, and a gold wire border to dog scene on trigger guard bow. SN on grip is gold inlaid in very fancy font. Finely veined and nicely stump figured European walnut fluted capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4" over checkered wood butt with hard rubber heel and toe plates, as often provided on high grade Lefevers. Lozenge shaped drop points have central inset ebony inlay. Fancy pattern checkering has scrolled ribbons through pattern in typical Optimus style. Removal of grip cap reveals wood stamped with SN, and carved "OPT". (The numerals and carving show considerable staining and oxidation, and do not appear to be new.) Matching splinter forend with more ribbons through checkering pattern, has hard rubber dogs head central medallion, and fancy hard rubber tip. Bore diameter: left -.737, right -.737. Bore restrictions: left -.033 (full), right -.025 (IMod). Wall thickness: left -.042, right -.030. Drop at heel: 2-1/2", drop at comb: 1-3/4". Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". CONDITION: Excellent, as finely restored. Bbls retain essentially all of an exceptionally well done re-brown with wonderful definition to pattern. Action and lockplates retain over 95% well colored re-hardening, engraving slightly softened. Case hardening of trigger guard thinning on bow, and silvered at grip. Some gold inlay may be enhanced. Stocks retain nearly all of a well done hand rubbed oil finish, checkering re-cut. Stock was broken through the wrist and has been expertly repaired. Forend tip is a replacement. Some screw heads have been re-engraved, most notably those that hold on heel and toe plates, grip cap, as well as forend screws. Bores are excellent with a few scattered small pits. Action is tight. Right ejector will not fire. 49416-1 MGM202 (12,000-16,000)