Lefever 12ga Double Barrel Information/Value?

[Nealer009]

My grandfather left me this shotgun when I was around 10, I was wondering if anyone had information on this gun, There is a little information online but not a lot. It has only been in a gun rack for the last 20 years, It is in pretty good condition but one crack in the stock. I am not looking to sell just to get a value on it. Any information would be great. Serial number 72932

 

[Winchested]

I think Ithaca took them over. Look for info on Ithaca Lefever

 

[easy]

That's a nice sidelock.

I recently refurbished a 1924 Lefever made by Ithaca and did some research. I found production dates that may be useful to you.

http://www.lefevercollectors.com/index.php?p=1_14_Production-Dates

By the serial number you posted, yours appears to be made between 1915-1919, just before Ithaca took over the Lefever name and made the Lefever Nitro Special boxlock up until the end of the war.

Dan Lefever died in 1906 and Ithaca acquired Lefever Arms when out of business in 1916.

Some of the Lefever sidelock models can be worth quite a bit of money depending on the grade. Anywhere from 600 in good condition for a basic grade to 6K for AA Grade. The Schwing Firearms Catalog lists AA Grade in Excellent condition at 18K.

20 gauge are very desirable and fetch a good premium.

Dan Lefever developed the automatic hammerless system way back in the early 1800 and some simple action adjusting system to compensate for action wear.

 

[bluedcanoed]

Looks like an "I" or "DS" grade, the plainest made. But apart from better wood and engraving, all grades of Lefever guns (before Ithaca) are well designed and very well made guns. Looks like you have a family treasure.
Value in Canada would be in the $400 - $650. range

Bob

 

[gunsaholic]

With the cracked stock I think it would be tough getting more than $400.00 in Canada. If one decided to restock, it would cost a fortune to have a stock maker do it, especially being a sidelock. Waaaay more than the gun will ever be worth. But as you are not selling, enjoy it for its family history. That is worth way more than the monetary value.

 

[Grouser]

From the pictures, I would suspect that what you have here is a grade 1 or a DS grade. In its currant condition with the cracked wrist and the overall condition of the blue the worth would be in the $250.00 to 300 range. If the wrist was not cracked it should fetch $500.00