2302

*EXCEPTIONAL D. M. LEFEVER 16 GAUGE OPTIMUS UPGRADE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
*EXCEPTIONAL D. M. LEFEVER 16 GAUGE OPTIMUS UPGRADE.
SN 1977. Cal. 16 ga. 2-1/2" Chambers. 28" Bbls with raised, matted, flat rib are gold inlaid "D. M. Lefever Arms. Co." and "Whitworth Fluid Steel" on tops. There are 1" triangles of scroll engraving at breech ends which are also carved with cyma curved embellishments at juncture with water table. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with Whitworth's sheaf of wheat trademarks. Bottom of right bbl is stamped with SN. Case hardened boxlock action with arch relief back, features D M Lefever's unique compensating and cocking system, knurled roll thumb safety gold inlaid "S" and "F", Greener type crossbolt third fastener, and gold plated non-selective single trigger with checkered blade. Action is engraved with flourishes of scroll, oak leaves, and floral motifs outlining semi relief sporting vignettes; with pair of pointers in meadow behind stone wall on left; pair of setters in similar setting on right; an oval with hanging game birds on bottom. A gold pigeon is inlaid on top lever. "D. M. Lefever, Sons & Co" is gold inlaid in arched ribands on each side of action. Patent markings and "Not Connected With Lefever Arms Co" are engraved on trigger plate. An English script "L" surmounted by a star, is gold inlaid on trigger guard bow. SN is on tang. Water table is gold inlaid "O 1977" and "Opt." Very fine, nicely marbled European walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4" over checkered butt, with scalloped horn heel and toe plates. Comb is fluted in correct Lefever style, and point pattern checkering with fancy flourish into buttstock has mullered borders and ribbon through pattern. Side panels are also checkered in modified fleur-di-lis style. Splinter ejector forend is nearly fully checkered with scrolled ribbons through pattern, has horn schnabeled tip, and roll type release. Bore diameter: left-.667, right -.667. Bore restrictions: left -.025 (Imp. Mod), right -.020 (Mod). Wall thickness: left -.022, right -.023. Drop at heel: 2-5/8", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". CONDITION: Excellent, as completely and skillfully upgraded, retaining essentially all of a high quality finish on both wood and metal, with only one or two minor subsequent marks on buttstock. Bores are very fine with some slight frosting, and one or two light dents. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are slightly out of time. Trigger works. A beautiful working gun for the field and a tribute to D.M. Lefever's finest. 4-48255 MGM201