February 24-26th 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2017
D.M. Lefever & Sons Company operated as a separate entity from Lefever Arms beginning in 1902. In the summer of 1903, Dan Lefever and three of his sons moved from Syracuse, New York to Defiance, Ohio forming the D.M. Lefever Company, continuing the prices and grades of the previous Lefever Arms Company. This early high quality Lefever was built using a scalloped boxlock, Greener crossbolt. Barrels were made of Krupp fluid steel, not Damascus, and features a solid matted rib with twin beads. Double triggers, beautiful dark grain hand checkered English type rear sight with Monte Carlo comb, finely checkered side panels, owner's plaque in stock, and an early Upland Game red waffle recoil pad. Stamped on bottom of frame "D.M. Lefever Sons & Company Pat'd 1902 Not connected with Lefever Arms Company". The biggest departure from the standard Lefevers was a boxlock instead of sidelock. This style of lock can be seen on page 94 in the book "Uncle Dan Lefever" by Elliot. This shotgun is an 8E Grade (per book) not stamped as such; description begins on page 95 and is described as follows: "fine Nitro steel barrels, straight stock without grip, nicely engraved and checkered, full compensated action with automatic shell ejector, price net $75 in 1901". In 1901 This 8E $100 Grade was the top seller. Bores are clean and shiny. Barrels retain approximately 70% original blue starting to thin and patina, with age freckling on the right barrel extending 10" from breech. Forearm is finely checkered with ebony tip. The frame exhibits delicate scroll engraving with setter on right side and mallard on left. The wood is in beautiful condition, has been freshened up at one time, with a couple minor dings. Lock-up is perfect with no wiggle with forearm off. Trigger guard is basically gun metal grey. Nice traces of case colors on both sides of frame. Lovely old high grade Lefever.
Barrel Wall Thickness
Left - .045", Right - .055"
Choke
Both Barrels - Modified
Internal Bore Diameter
Both - .744"
Manufacturer
D.M. Lefever Sons & Co.