doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Basket case Lefever Optimus

http://68.167.203.107:8050/FMPro?-db=GMA...90324&-Find
Greg Martin Auction Company has the above Lefever Optimus coming up for auction the February. This IMO would be a real challenge to restore. There are other doubles in this auction so you might want to take a look.
Jim

Man, now that is enough to make a guy want to cry.
Kraft

That is a big money restoration....but man the engraving alone makes it worth something in my eye. The interlocking scroll and the roses...my my my. Make a great project if you have deep pockets.
Steve

Might cost $20,000 to make that gun worth $20,000.00. Talk about being used hard and put up wet. Figure 1,000-1,500.00 for a blank, $3,000-4,000 to restock. How many hours metal work at 75-100 per hour? 50-150. Rough guess some where in the middle. Pick up the engraving and gold work another few grand. Then you get to the barrels. If they are in decent shape I would have them lined by Teagle, refinished and proofed. Figure six months and maybe $4-4,5000 investment. The last thing on Earth that gun needs is to be sleeved.

Yep, you could go through $20,000.00 real fast on that gun. What a shame. A mint condition, Lefever in this grade, would be worth more than $20,000.00 but would a restored one be worth the investment?

investment nooooo, might be a nice chance to have a great shooter stocked to your dimensions though. I was thinking 15k. What would the engraving cost you today?
Steve

Jon, I agree but its my kind've gun that way I could have a pair!

Elmer Fudd got his money out of that one already. Nobody here, will.
Best,
Ted

Mr. Mann:

Do you think it could be saved? It does look like it was powerful pretty at one time...

Glenn

What SKB said....It doesnt have to be restored as an Optimus, it could well be built into a real classy shooter....Wonder what the bores are like?

What is the estimated auction price? Guess?