GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
EARLY AND RARE SMALL BORE LEFEVER "CE" STYLE SHOTGUN. LEFEVER SXS CE 20937 20ga IVORY Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 28" Mono-bloc bbls with wide, flat, matted rib are unmarked on tops or bottoms. Small frame as noted by "XX" marking, early type, semi-sidelock action features usual top fastener, pin type cocking indicators, and "in-frame" ejectors, along with gold-plated dbl triggers. This early gun has the opposed fishhook type cocking system, and ejectors were most likely fitted at a date ten years after this gun was produced. Action is engraved with sprays of well cut scroll along with geometric borders and embellishment on beads. Fences are carved in trefoil or shamrock design, as often found on guns of grade "B" and higher. Sideplates with about 40% coverage well cut scroll have geometric borders which surround oval vignettes of very well cut dogs and game; a setter watches a woodcock fall from the sky on left plate, and a pointer watches three quail disappear into the distance on right. Trigger guard bow depicts exceptionally well done typical Lefever portrait of spaniel retrieving a grouse. SN is on tang, which extends to fluted hard rubber grip cap. Striking, nicely marbled and attractively figured Circassian walnut long pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4" over hard rubber buttplate with "LACO" monogram. Lozenge shaped drop points are behind lockplates, and point pattern checkering at grip has crenelated rear border. Matching splinter forend with steel tip has push button release. Bore diameter: left -.615, right - .612. Bore restrictions: left - .006 (IC), right - .005 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .048, right - .045. Drop at heel: 2-7/8", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Cast: approx 1/2" on. Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". Twin ivory bead sights. PROVENANCE: The Collection of Jim Beckley. CONDITION: Fine, as refurbished. Bbls retain approx 95% blue applied at time of sleeving. Action and lockplates retain 20 - 30% of what appears to be orig case hardening color where protected, but are mostly a bright silver to gray. Triggers retain traces of their gold plating. Stocks retain nearly all of an old bright oil finish, edges slightly rounded, with a number of subsequent marks, checkering re-cut. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. 50632-6 MGM211 (7,500-12,500)