This was a 16g A Grade double barrel set that was configured with multiple gold inlays including dogs on both sideplates. The photos provided in the catalog were not particularly clear, but some who examined it discovered that several of the inlays on the sideplates appeared to have been added at some time after production. There was bleeding of the gold. When questioned the auction house brought up an "expert" who said this was due to incorrect case hardening temperatures. They maintained that this was an original gun. Experts, whom I trust, like Buck Hamlin, have said that this would not occur because of the vast difference in temperatures between the melting point of gold and case hardening. Other inlays on the frame were not similarly affected.
I would not go so far as to claim "fraud" in that that would be difficult to prove. However, despite the fact that they were notified by at least three different Lefever experts that there were anomalies in this gun that brought to serious question their claim that this was not modified they refused to reveal this.
The gun sold for $45,000.
Now, what is the responsibility of the auction house when questions have been raised? I can understand it if they would be reluctant to alter their description of a gun, which could significantly affect the price, on the basis of one "self proclaimed expert" telling them something. That could be a ploy to discourage bidding on the gun to the advantage of that "expert". On the other hand, when they have been made aware of questions by multiple "experts" do they have any obligation to reveal that to bidders who are less knowledgable? Perhaps the buyer was aware of the issues and still thought the gun was worth that. After all, it was otherwise a rather unique high grade Lefever (we think).
The point here being that it is all "caveat emptor", Let the buyer beware. Whether it is a big famous auction house, or something held in somebody's back yard, I wouldn't depend on the autioneer's description as gospel. However, in the days of internet auctions with Proxy Bidding one must have confidence in the auction house description or depend on an expert who has examined the gun. What recourse would I have had if I had bid those kind of dollars on a gun, trusting their description, that upon receipt was found to be significantly altered?
Last edited by DrBob; 12/23/10 11:04 PM. Reason: spelling and comment
