Opinions wanted on the case colors on this Lefever
 

I wanted to get an opinion on the case colors on this Lefever H Grade I found at a local gunshop, whether they are original or not. If they are not original any idea how they were done?
Thanks

another photo
 

Another photo of top lever

Not a Lefever expert, but as a museum curator here is my observation/thoughts:

The colors look very bright compared to the wear and stock finish of the wood. I would also take into consideration the wear on the triggers and trigger guard.

This is just based on the provided images.

CSMC has a HE grade 20 gauge they are calling factory original. The colors on both look very similar, but your pics look to have brighter colors but that could just be different picture quality. I will let the experts chime in now. I think the gun in question has been re-done.

lefever case color
 

Looks like cyanide and maybe a torch too. Do not look original, but I only own two lefevers and they have no case left.
MO

Go to www.griffinhowe.com then go to gun room then go to used guns. Scroll down to Lefever Grade 1. The case color on that gun is about as original as you will find.

I agree with Ron and Alfred. Definitely not Lefever colors. My opinion the gun at that shop looks like it was cyanide.

Photo is an E Grade Lefever showing strong surviving bone charcoal case hardening.

I believe everyone that has responded so far feel that the gun you have pictures of are definately not original Lefever colors. My two cents
Ken

Not original. And in my opinion, they are Not even legit case colors. They look like a stain to simulate case colors. Like on the Parker Repros.

We restore quite a few Lefevers and get a chanceto see a lot of original case. The colors on this H appear to be typical temper colors. not true color case.

Brad

Thank You
 

I wanted to thank everyone for the replies and opinions. I'm going to pass on this gun since I can't be certain what was done to it. I bought a Lefever G grade from the same shop last summer as a project gun ,the metal was polished bright but the gun seems solid otherwise. I had recently talked with Turnbull about refinishing that gun, one project is enough at this time.
Thanks again.

not Original.

It is Good that you passed on this gun. And it is Good to know you've learned. If my memory is Good, I might be able to recall the Good name of some guy who uses a torch to create some not-so-Good "case colors." But maybe it's Good that I can't think of his name...

Original color
 

Here’s a G Grade 20ga with original case colors and stock finishes. Barrels reblued.

nice 20 gauge...whats the weight of this beauty...charlie

Charlie - it’s around 6-1/4lbs.

The original colors on my DS 12g.

Attachment 59109