Putting some years back on a Lefever B grade

[Brian Dudley]

This Early thumb-opening Lefever is a special order gun that is labeled as a B grade, but possesses many attributes that are far above "typical" B quality.

It is a 12g. 2 barrel set that is a Small Hook cocking gun, but it started life as a Cocking rod gun. At some point it was sent back to Lefever and the cocking mechanism was upgraded, and the second barrel set added. Something else odd about that time is that the gun was actually re-serial numbered. To a number that was about 2,000 numbers later than the original number. The outside of the gun bears only one number, but the insides of the gun have both numbers stamped on them. Anyway, just interesting information... The owner of this gun may well write a LACA newsletter article on it, so those who are LACA members, can read his thoughts on the gun.

The gun came to me missing it's horn forend tip completely and the void was filled in with sawdust and glue. The wood finish was nearly gone and the checkering pretty much worn smooth. The original leather faced silvers pad was falling apart. The purpose of my work on it was to repair any glaring issues with it mechanically/cosmetically and to put a few years back on the gun, but maintain a used look that was overall fitting of the condition of the metal.

There was some damage to the edge of the inletting for the horn forend tip that had to be patched before a new horn tip could be custom shaped to fit the existing inletting in the forend. Once fitted and installed, the tip could be shaped and profiled in the proper style.

The wood was all de-oiled and fresh finish was applied but all marks of age and use retained. The checkering was then fully recut on the wrist and forend. 26 lines per inch on the wrists. 26 and 32 lines per inch on the forend.

Ultrasonic cleaning of the action did good for the engraving on the action. The pointer on the one lock plate is fantastic! Before assembly, a broken firing pin had to be replaced and a new set screw for it made. Finally a new silvers pad was installed and a leather face put on it as the original pad had.

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A few photos of the forend tip repair.
The right side lower side of the inletting was completely broken out. A wood patch has already been installed.

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[Bill Murphy]

I have seen several Lefevers with the horn tip destroyed. I own one that has been repaired, a wonderful E Grade 16 gauge push lever. Some ham fists don't know what the button is for and pry the forend with a metal tool trying to remove it.

[Garry L Gordon]

Wow! What a nice repair job...and a beautiful gun.

[Michael Kitterman]

What a beautiful early Lefever! What is the mfg year of this example? I own four Lefevers ranging from 1897 to 1909, one a DS 12 ga with extra fancy wood and near perfect coloring thought to have belonged to a Lefever family member, but have no history to confirm this. Brian your craftsmanship and attention to the smallest details speaks for itself. Well done!

[Brian Dudley]

This gun is in the 11,000 serial range. And the earlier number mentioned is in the 9,000 range.

[Frank Cronin]

Well done Brian.

I love looking at higher grade Lefevers. They are like snow flakes and most of the time there is a unique feature that make them so interesting and diverse.

I notice the "wings" (lack of a better term) on the barrels. I've seen them with one but this is the first time for me seeing two "wings".

Thanks for sharing.

[Brian Dudley]

Yes, that is the first gun that I and the owner, along with others, has seen with double wings.

[edgarspencer]

Is that a Nichols & Lefever ?

[Brian Dudley]

No. A Lefever Arms gun.

[wayne goerres]

You sure made that old gun shine. Great job Brian.

[Jeff Davis]

Wow! That looks great Brian! I have never held a high grade Lefever like that and checked it out close up! Would love to find one someday!

[edgarspencer]

Looking at the picture of the beautiful gun Brian posted, reminded me how so many features were carried over from Dan's Hammer gun, when they were Nichols & Lefever. It has been said so often, Dan was a horrible businessman, but possibly one of the best gun makers.
This is yet another example of Brad Bachelder's great talent. The gun was a total train wreck. Stock was in three pieces, and now, no evidence of it's hard life.

[Larry Stauch]

Could those people at Lefever put wood on a gun; awesome.

They have to be some of the best decorated guns ever made.:bowdown:

[keavin nelson]

Very nice piece, and great work Brian!

[Russell E. Cleary]

Thanks, Brian, for the pictures of the restored Lefever Arms Early thumb-opener.

How does one custom shape a new horn tip; is it pressed or is material removed?

It’s good to know there are professionals with the expertness to make such guns as the two Lefevers depicted here glorious again.

I do some of my own home, boat and vehicle restoring and repairing. But, I think I will continue to have the pros do my gun repair work.

That looks like a “battle tartan” that Edgar’s Nichols & Lefever hammer gun is displayed on.

[Brian Dudley]

The horn is shaped just like wood.

[todd allen]

I'd take that gun, and just take my chances with that dangerous Damascus ; )

[Bill Graham]

Nice to meet you at the Southern, Brian. I like that you've maintained the honestly acquired used condition areas on the gun, but fixed the important things. Your phrase of putting years back on the gun, I think is a very appropriate way to approach these old guns. Very nice, Sir.

[Brian Dudley]

You as well Bill.

Did you notice it in person in the lefever booth?

[Bill Graham]

I saw a thumb lever there, but did not pick it up to examine it. Beautiful gun.

[davidboyles]

Brian you continue to amaze me with your restoration work that is beyond compare. Someday I hope to have you bring back life for one of my old girls and put her back to work in the fields. I don't have any wall hangers!!!