Picked up a rough Lefever yesterday that caught my attention.
Serial Number; 12395
Lock plates, action and one barrel set(26") have very similar "font" for the stamped s/n.
Second barrel set has a different font is stamped E12395.
Is the "E" significant?
26" Barrels: marked on the rib "Lefefer Arms Co. Patentees & Makers Syracuse NY"
s/n 12395 on left barrel flat
9641 stamped on both barrels approx 2" forward of the flats.
32" Barrels
E12395 stamped about 1" forward of right barrel flat.
No other markings on barrels.
Rib is machine matted.
Quick check with a bore gauge has 26" bores in the .783" range with .003" & .006" choke.
32" bores in th .790" range with approx .015" & .030"
Bores and all metal is very, very dirty but no gross pitting. Actually, no obvious pitting at all but bores need a good scrubbing. Spiders had taken up residence.
Came from a dead gunsmith auction and was clearly someones project. Stock is broken completely through the wrist and buttstock in missing. Parts were taped together with some very old masking tape, so a detailed cleaning should be done.
I'd post pictures, but I haven't kept up with any hosting sites as most forums now allow uploading pictures.
Thoughts and comments on this Lefever?
My "guess" is 26" are damaged originals and the 32" are replacements.
Thank you in advance.
