Lefever Arms Co. E Grade 12 GA SXS Side by Side Double Shotgun, 1903 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3580
LSB#: 210303MG06
Make: Lefever Arms Company
Model: E Grade Sideplate Hammerless
Serial Number: 48746
Year of Manufacture: 1903 (Last patent date, pre-Ithaca)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2″ Shells
Action Type: Break-Open Boxlock Side by Side Shotgun with Ejectors and Cocking Indicators
Markings: The left and right sideplates are marked “LEFEVER. / ARMS. CO.”, the bottom tang in front of the trigger guard is marked “Patented 1872 / 78. 80. 85. 86. 87.”, and the water table is marked “48746 E”. The forearm bracket is marked “48746”. The underside of the left barrel is marked “48746 E”. The top of the right barrel is marked “FINE. DAMASCUS.”, the top of the left “STEEL.”. The guard is marked “48746”. The receiver and sideplates have E Grade engraving with dog scenes on the sideplates and a fowl scene on the trigger guard.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib. The rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 10.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, inlaid silver initial plate in the belly (not marked), and checkered black hard rubber Lefever Arms Co. buttplate. There is a case-color steel inlay in the nose of the forend. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ and 13″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some scattered muting in the receiver’s otherwise beautiful case-color. There is handling wear in the bottom tang. The barrels have generally strong damascus patterning with some light surface erosion on the left barrel toward the muzzle-end and minor wear from the forend, concealed when assembled. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly including ejectors. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. 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 E Grade Hammerless Sideplate model which is a boxlock but also has sideplates giving it an appealing look to those who prefer sidelocks. It has both ejectors and cocking indicators to go along with its beautiful engraving on the case-colored receiver. The gun is in quite extraordinary shape for a nearly 120 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!