Ithaca Gun Co. Lefever Nitro Special 410 Ga 26? SxS Double Shotgun 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 220415GG009
Make: Lefever (by Ithaca)
Model: Nitro Special
Serial Number: 204333
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 “204333” while the right barrel flat has a “2”. The barrel lug has an inspector’s mark. The top of the forend iron is marked “A 204333”. The left side of the water table is marked “410” and the right is marked “204333”. 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. 15.7 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 checkered walnut with splinter forend, rounded semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a serrated black hard rubber buttlate. The forend has a short, thin crack at the left-rear edge. There are a few scattered minor marks in the stocks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips. The drop at comb is 1 7/8” and the drop at heel is 3”. The LOP measures 13 3/8” & 12 1/2” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear with a spot of more notable wear at the toe. The stocks rate in Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is a spot of minor erosion in the top of the right bore a few inches back from the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have generally strong finish with some scattered minor nicks and handling marks. The top of the rib has some scuffing and light scratches. The receiver has handling wear on the top in front of the lever and the bottom-front with otherwise good color and some scattered 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 Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. 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 and very few of them are chambered for .410. This gun is in great shape with most of its original finish remaining. This is a great early American double gun and in a desirable configuration for collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!