GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE, EARLY LEFEVER SPECIAL ORDER HIGH GRADE (A ?) PLAIN FINISH GAME GUN.LEFEVERSXS1182412 GACal. 12 GA 2-3/4" Chambers. This very early, striking Lefever with fully compensated action with cocking levers and pivoting top lever, just post dating the side cocking type, has 30" intricately patterned Damascus bbls with flat matted rib. Bbls have typical high grade filed in ogee bosses at transition to action. Bottom of right bbl is stamped with SN preceded by "A" which is the only indication of the grade of this gun, as there are no letter markings on water table or stampings under grip cap. Case hardened action with non-automatic safety, cocking indicators, and gold-plated dbl triggers is filed in a manner found on highest grade guns, with rebated lockplates, bold fluted beads, fancy fillets on top lever, and fences carved with three shamrocks. Although of a very high grade, the action of this gun has minimal engraving with only geometric borders interspersed with sprays of well cut scroll. "Lefever Arms Co" is on each lockplate. Trigger plate is engraved with patent dates, latest being "87". Trigger guard with SN at grip extends to fluted composition cap. Removal of cap finds stock makers (?) signature "A. P. Kessel". Stock is of fine dense well marbled and nicely figured European walnut. It is fitted with its orig composition buttplate with widows peak, embossed with Lefever monogram. Arrowhead shaped drop points are behind lockplates, and checkering at grip is of the highest order with normal point pattern 20 LPI checkering intersected by bands of very closely spaced checkering flanked by ribbons. Large fancy bordered flourishes of this same checkering extend into butt. A vacant gold shield is on toe line. Matching splinter forend with large composition fancy bordered tip, has push button release. Checkering matches that on grip with panels of differing spacing, and with stylized fleur-di-lis intrusion at rear. Bore diameter: left -.740, right -.740. Bore restrictions: left -.030 (full), right -.024 (mod). Wall thickness: left -.025, right -.024. Drop at heel: 2-15/16", drop at comb: 1-7/8". Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz. LOP: 14-1/16". CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Bbls retain 85 - 90% orig vibrant Damascus finish, silvered a bit on sharp edges, thinned and browning a bit above forend from normal handling. Action retains 80% orig case hardening color, silvered at bottom and on high edges. Lockplates retain 90 - 95% orig color. Trigger guard is silvered at grip, blue flaked on bow. Stocks retain most of their orig finish under added oil on butt, and most likely on forend. Checkering lightly worn, and has not been re-cut. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. A striking high condition understated top grade Lefever. 49102-1 MGM288 (27,500-42,500)