Daniel Myron Lefever was one of the geniuses of American gunmaking. Judging by the number of partnerships and businesses he formed in his career, he must have been mercurial, too.
From 1857 to his death in 1906, he worked for himself, and with others. By himself and with others, he built all sorts of firearms–including the one you see here. It comes from DM’s final venture: The D. M. Lefever, Sons & Company, which he formed with his sons in 1902.
Morphy Auctions is auctioning of this double tomorrow. If you like it, get on it now.
D.M. Lefever & Sons Grade 8E SxS Shotgun (12 Bore): 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”.
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.
Serial Number: 1331
Barrel Length: 30″
Chambers: 2-5/8″
Length Of Pull: 15″
Drop at Comb: 1-3/4″
Drop at Heel: 2″
Internal Bore Diameters: .744″
Barrel Wall Thickness: Left – .045″, Right – .055″
Chokes: Both Barrels – Modified
Weight8 lbs. – 2 oz.
