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

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:crying:

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

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

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

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

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

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 :cheers:

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:eek: