Lefever Arms Co. ‘C’ Grade 16Ga Side By Side Shotgun, 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,714.00
WOA#: WY240530TP022
Make: Lefever Arms Company
Model: Side-Lock Hammerless C Grade
Serial Number: 11481
Year of Manufacture: 1888 (https://www.lefevercollectors.com/resources/production-dates/)
Gauge: 16 gauge 2 ¾” Black Powder Shells
Action Type: Break-Open Side-Lock Side by Side Shotgun with Ejectors and Cocking Indicators.
Markings: The sides of the frame are marked, “LEFEVER ARMS CO.” on either side of the locks. The water table is marked, “11481 C” The underside of the frame is marked with patent dates. The forend is marked, “11481” The bottom tang is marked, “11481” The top tang is marked, “SAFE” The top of the barrels on the rib is marked, “Lefever Arms Co. Makers, Syracuse N.Y.”
Barrel Length: 26 7/8”
Choke: Left: Cylinder, Right: Cylinder, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is an silver bead at the front of the rib. The rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered walnut set with a capped push button splinter forend, capped semi-pistol grip, straight fluted comb, and a checkered plastic Lefever buttplate. The stock has been rplaced. There are very faint handling marks throughout. There is a small crack behind the left lock plate. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 7/8? from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition for C&R. The stock has a right hand cast. The drop at comb is, 2” and the drop at heel is, 3 3/8”
Type of Finish: Oil dipped Crolle ribbon pattern damascus, Case Color.
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is some minor fouling scattered about both barrels. There is a faint spot of erosion in the right bore just past the forcing cone. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10 given its age.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The case color is bright. The damascus is clear and unworn. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very good condition for its age.
Mechanics: The action functions properly including extractors. The barrels lock up to the frame with no play, the firing pins are in good shape. 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: The Lefever Arms Co. ‘C’ Grade shotgun is a distinguished example of American gunmaking, representing a step up in quality and craftsmanship from the more utilitarian Field Grade models. Produced by the Lefever Arms Company, a firm founded by the innovative gunsmith Daniel Myron Lefever in the late 19th century, the ‘C’ Grade occupies a middle position in Lefever’s lineup of double-barrel shotguns. This model balances refined aesthetics with practical functionality, making it a favored choice among sportsmen who appreciate both form and performance in their firearms. The ‘C’ Grade shotgun is renowned for its elegant design and higher level of finish compared to the entry-level Field Grade. It typically features a more ornate receiver, often embellished with fine engraving that adds a touch of artistry to the gun. The engraving on the ‘C’ Grade is more detailed and intricate than on lower-grade models, often depicting hunting scenes, scrollwork, or other decorative motifs that showcase the craftsmanship of Lefever’s artisans. This attention to detail extends to the stock, which is usually made from high-quality walnut with a fine grain pattern and an oil-rubbed finish, enhancing both its durability and aesthetic appeal. In addition to its functional and aesthetic qualities, the ‘C’ Grade shotgun is also notable for its durability. The materials used in its construction, including the high-grade walnut stock and the carefully finished steel components, were selected to withstand the demands of regular use in the field. This durability, coupled with the shotgun’s classic design, has made the Lefever ‘C’ Grade a sought-after firearm among collectors and shooting enthusiasts who value both historical significance and practical utility. Production of the Lefever ‘C’ Grade continued into the early 20th century, and although the Lefever Arms Company was eventually acquired by the Ithaca Gun Company, the ‘C’ Grade remains one of the most celebrated models in the Lefever lineup. Its combination of elegant design, reliable performance, and mechanical innovation represents the pinnacle of American shotgun manufacturing during its era.
Overall, the Lefever Arms Co. ‘C’ Grade shotgun is a beautifully crafted firearm that embodies the best of American gunmaking tradition. With its ornate engraving, high-quality materials, and innovative mechanical features, the ‘C’ Grade offers a perfect blend of form and function. It is a shotgun that was built to be both admired and used, making it a prized possession for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and reliable performance in the field. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
