Lefever Arms C Grade 28″ Mod/Imp. Cyl. 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6150
LSB#: 230511NF040
Make: Lefever Arms Company
Model: C-Grade Sideplate Hammerless
Serial Number: 62110
Year of Manufacture: 1909 (https://www.lefevercollectors.com/resources/production-dates/)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2” Shells, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Break-Open Boxlock Side by Side Shotgun with Ejectors and Cocking Indicators
Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “LEFEVER ARMS CO. / KRUPP”, the right “STEEL / SYRACUSE N.Y. U.S.A.”. The sideplates are each marked “LEFEVER / ARMS CO.,”, the bottom tang in front of the trigger guard is marked “Patented / 1872-88-90-94-1907” and behind the trigger guard is marked “62110”. The water table is marked “62110” and “C”. The forearm bracket is marked “62110”. The underside of the left barrel is marked “62110”, the bottom of both barrels is marked “-FLUID-STEEL-KRUPP-ESSEi”. The inside of the trigger guard is marked “62110”. The receiver has border and scroll engraving with borders around hunting dog scenes on the sideplates and clover-leaf accents on the fences.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Left: Modified, Right: Improved Cylinder, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib. The rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lbs., 5.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, horn-capped pistol grip, straight comb, initial plate inlaid in the belly (not marked), and serrated rubber buttplate. The forend has an inlaid steel tip. The stocks have some scattered more minor nicks and draglines, as well as some notable compressions along the belly. The checkering is generally sharp showing only minor handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8” and 13 1/8” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the plate. Drop at comb is approximately 1 9/16?, drop at heel 2 3/8?. The cast is neutral. The plate shows scattered little nicks and scratches, mostly along the edges. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright with some scattered minor erosion in the left bore and some streaks of fouling in the right. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 6.5 out of 10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 78% of its metal finish. The barrels have taken a faint plum hue with light handling wear over the forend, some wear from the forend which is concealed when assembled, and there is some scattered minor discoloration from oxidation. The receiver’s case color is generally strong with some muting along the edges and on the lower tang. There are light nicks and minor scuffs along the barrel set. 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 Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Please note, on this gun the front trigger fires the right barrel, the rear trigger fires the left barrel. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Daniel Lefever created the first commercially successful hammerless double barreled shotgun in the United States spawning a new array of models from the burgeoning manufacturing industry in New York which included Ithaca, L.C. Smith, and his own Lefever Arms Company. This is an example of the Hammerless Sideplate model which is a boxlock but also has sideplates giving it an appealing look to those who prefer sidelocks. This C Grade looks beautiful, especially for its age. The gun is in great shape for a nearly 115 year old shotgun. Whether you’re looking to add to an American shotgun collection or just want a nice double-barrel with some old American quality design and craftsmanship, this is a great shotgun to pick up. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
