A few things of note; According to Bob Elliots estimates of production by grade the H, G, F & E were all produced in larger quantities than the DS. He assigns first place to the G followed very closely by the E. From my limited experience I would tend to agree. The introduction of the H was made in I believe 1898, but was around 99 before many made it to the stores. I believe the DS followed a couple of years later around 1901, or the same year Uncle Dan left the Co. There has been some speculation that the "Rift" between Uncle Dan & the Durstons may have had some influence on the grade being called the DS. It is also noted that apparently identical guns were also sold as an "I" grade, or next step down from an H.
The "Major" mechanical difference between the DS & higher grade ones is the straight rib extension rather than the square shouldered "Doll's Head".
Very shortly after my interest in Lefevers had started I had opportunity to buy a very minty 20ga DS, but pased as it was priced twice as high as a 12ga FE I had just recently purchased (my first Lefever). I still don't have a 20ga & have regretted many times I did not buy that one, at the time I just didn't realize how few 20gas were out there in grades higher than the DS.
