Lefever Arms Co. Sidelock Hammerless 10 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1893 Antique FFL Gold Member Top 10 Seller lock-stock-and-ba

Sold for $1525.00

LSB#: 220812VH054

Make: Lefever Arms Co.

Model: We believe this shotgun is an E Grade based on the engraving.

Serial Number: 20356

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1893 (https://www.lefevercollectors.com/resources/production-dates/)

Gauge: 10 GA, Black Powder Only

Action Type: Break-Open Side by Side Double Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors & Cocking Indicators

Markings: Each sideplate is marked “LEFEVER ARMS CO.”, the water table is marked “20356”. The trigger plate is marked “Patented. 1872. / 78. 80. 85. 86. 87.” in front of the trigger guard. The forend iron is marked “20356”. The bottom of the left barrel is marked “20356”. The interior of the trigger guard is marked “20356”. The receiver has scroll engraving with hunting dog and fowl scenes on the sideplates and trigger guard.

Barrel Length: 28″

Choke: Left: Modified, Right: Cylinder Bore. Both are fixed.

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the solid rib. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.

Weight: 7 lb., 4.0 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered hard rubber buttplate with LAC monogram. The forend has an inlet steel tip. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is an odd fill on the right of the buttstock below the comb near the heel and a much smaller fill on the same side toward the toe. The forend has a crack at the rear of the tip and there are a few small losses around the top edge. There is a scratch in the top-right of the wrist between the tang and sideplate which may appear as a crack in the photos, ’tis but a scratch. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ and 12 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The plate has discoloration and light wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Damascus & Case-Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright with scattered minor erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at the edges. The barrels have generally strong damascus patterning with scattered light wear, mostly over the forend. The receiver’s case color ranges from strong to worn or gone to a light patina. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The safety engages automatically when the lever is pushed to the side. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Daniel Lefever, founder of Lefever Arms Co., was the man who patented and brought to market the first commercially successful hammerless shotgun in 1880. Interestingly, his firearms company, D.M. Lefever, would be renamed Lefever Arms Co. when he lost control of the company. Daniel would remain as Superintendent until 1901 when he and his sons would leave the company to start making guns on their own. Lefever Arms Co. would continue on as a respected gunmaker until 1916 when they were bought by Ithaca Gun Co.

This example is a Lefever hammerless double shotgun made around 1893. For a 10 gauge, it is quite trim at just over seven pounds and has 28″ damascus barrels. There are cocking indicators on its sideplates, ejectors, and the gun shows quite light wear given its age. After more than 130 years, it still locks up tight and has strong mechanics. As with any gun of this age and with damascus barrels, it should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith prior to firing, but it is a great example of Lefever’s craftsmanship. This is a nice old double from a classic American gunmaker, perfect for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!