Originally Posted by John Roberts
Originally Posted by Nudge
This is a tough one.

As Tom said, Lefever would certainly have accomodated someone wanting a non-standard rib. I must say, I have never seen an E grade with the rib engraved. Given the style of it though, Im inclined to think that feature is original. So that part doesnt give me pause.

More importanly...I think this gun has been superbly restored.

The colors are nicely muted, and would otherwise be believable as original, if the wood appeared untouched. But it doesn't. The key is the underside, where the stock meets the frame...always a tough spot. You wouldn't simultaneously have that wear, while also having perfect checkering.

IMO, this gun was very, very experly redone. Best guess is Brad Bachelder, mainly because of the colors.

The seller's price reflects an older restoration. If this was original...to me at least...it's a $4000-5000 gun.

Would make a lovely club shooter and conversation piece as it is.

NDG

Briley did the sleeve job, so I think they may have redone the wood, but it is such a good job it makes you wonder if another wood specialist did it. I don't believe the frame has been re-colored but is original finish with a nice patina on the bottom and quite a bit of remaining faded case colors on top and sides. Whatever the case may be, it is a very nice piece worthy of field and range.
JR


If Briley did the wood, I’ll bet that they sent the wood to Dave Wolf in Waco. That finish definitely looks like Dave’s work. I’ve had several stocks redone by Dave. His work is very nice, a bit different from a traditional finish though. He was a big proponent of catalyzed varnish. One of his major clients was Briley for many years.