Ithaca Gun Co. Lefever Nitro Special 410 Ga 26″ SxS Double Shotgun 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1350
LSB#: 220110JR011
Make: Lefever (by Ithaca)
Model: Nitro Special
Serial Number: 226836
Year of Manufacture: 1925 (https://ithacagun.com/serial-numbers/)
Gauge: .410 Gauge, 3” Shells
Action Type: Break-Open Side by Side Double Trigger Shotgun with Extractors
Markings: The top of the left barrel is marked “LEFEVER ARMS CO. ITHACA, N.Y.” and the top of the right barrel is marked “LEFEVER NITRO SPECIAL”. The forearm lug flat is marked “P T”. The left barrel flat is marked “4” and “226836” while the right barrel flat has a “2”. The barrel lug has an inspector’s mark. The bottom of the left barrel, forward of the flat, is marked with a faded marking. The inside of the forearm has “A 226836” pressed into the hardware and “836” in the wood. The left side of the water table is marked “410” and the right is marked “226836”. The receiver has a waterfowl scene on each side.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: The left barrel is choked Full, the right is Modified. Both are fixed.
Weight: 5 lbs. 15.1 oz.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a bead front sight on the front of the serrated solid rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with splinter forend, rounded semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a serrated hard rubber buttlate. There is a small impact on the left upper edge of the wrist and a small one on the right side as well. There is a small repaired chip on the top wrist at the rear of the upper tang. There are no cracks. The checkering is sharp. The drop at comb is 1 3/4” and the drop at heel is 2 7/8”. The LOP measures 14 1/2” & 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, which shows hardly any wear and is soft. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition and would easily rate Fine-Plus if not for the repaired chip.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is some minor fouling near the erosion in each bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some light erosion on the bottom and right side of the receiver. The forearm connecting metal has light pitting on the left side. There are a few faint nicks throughout the barrels. The screw heads show light disfigurement with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: The Lefever Arms Company was a manufacturer of guns in Syracuse, New York founded by Daniel Lefever. The company was in the business of gun manufacture until 1916, when it merged with Ithaca Gun Company in Ithaca, New York, which continued Lefever production until 1921. This Lefever Nitro Special side by side is a great example of early American firearms. This was a no frills, all go, no show shotgun that dominated the market for years. We see quite a few of these guns come through the shop, but they are usually well used in need of repair. This gun is in great shape with most of its original finish remaining. We have never seen one of these in this high of a condition. A great early American Shotgun. Please see our photos and good luck!