I was trying to buy guns like the ones used by George Custer. He shot a Lefever, least that is what I read. I just missed a G grade once. Then when I found this "I" grade, which was their lowest, I snapped it up and I love the gun. While very plain jane, she has the classic lines of the fine guns. This one made in 1901. Of course she has been heavily re-done.
Beautiful lines! The little bits of wood that I call "ears" behind the top of the action next to the hinge of the opening lever often break off on Lefevers. Here I've kind of clusmily glued one back on. They are often missing and the top of the wrist is sanded down where they broke off.
I handled an Optimus not too long ago. What a wonderful piece of shotgun she was!
IMHO a fine Lefever is about as fine a gun as one can get...even when put up against a Parker. I admire Parkers, of course; but the graceful lines of the Lefever, to me, are just out of this World!