Lefever Fever

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

Lefever sideplates are in fact side covers to hold the sears and cocking indicators. I would consider the action to be a transitional sidelock, not a true boxlock.
The design first showed up in the Needham Barrel Cocking,Self Ejector patent of 1874. Joseph Needham's designs strongly influenced Lefever's lock designs and passion for ejector systems.

Brad

[Roundsworth]

My other G Grade was also a side plate gun with the sears suspended in the receiver. It was made shortly after 1900. Here are some photos of my 1896 G Grade

[JLoew]

Here are a few Lefevers-

#1 is the left lockplate of a BE 20ga

#2 and #4 are an early 10ga Optimus (same gun)

#3 is a late 10ga Optimus

These belong to a close friend

[Roundsworth]

Every Optimus photo I see leaves me in awe! They are gorgeous shotguns

[JLoew]

Another 12ga Optimus. This one originally owned by GAH winner, Martin Diefenderfer.

[OH Osthaus]

incredible - some of the most life like dogs and birds on any classic gun

[charlie cleveland]

THANKS for the pictures of those great lookin guns...Lefevers dont have to be ashamed of there guns like this do they.. charlie

[chris dawe]

Originally Posted by Rick Losey

incredible - some of the most life like dogs and birds on any classic gun

Dog's and bird's? I must agree....but take a close look at the checkering and stock styling .

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by chris dawe

Dog's and bird's? I must agree....but take a close look at the checkering and stock styling .

yeah that not too bad either

[Pa SxS]

Josh,

Diefenderfer was from Nebraska but I'd be willing to bet he had roots in Pa.

Now I love my Parkers, but that Optimus Lefever is a true work of art! I might just have to get me a Lefever in the near future