SOLD
55,000.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2013 Oct 14 @ 15:06UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
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SN 34497. Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. The "Thousand Dollar" grade is described in the 1910 Lefever catalog as follows: "This grade is built to suit any special requirement of the shooter, and is the finest gun that can be made at any price. We show no cut of the "Thousand Dollar" grade as sportsmen's requirements vary to such an extent in a gun of this grade, that we prefer to build the gun exactly to their specifications." This gun, with a list price of $1000.00 is $600.00 higher than the Optimus grade, priced at $400.00. At this time the Parker A1 Special and the L C Smith A3 were priced at $750.00. Few "Thousand Dollar" grades are known to exist. This example has 30" bbls with flat, matted rib, mounted with two ivory beads, and are engraved "Lefever Arms Co." and "Whitworth Fluid Steel" on tops. Breech ends have raised cyma curved bolsters, and 1-1/4" triangles of engraved acanthus and scroll set off by scrolled gold wire inlay. There are geometric bands of engraving around muzzles with an acanthus flourish on bottom rib. Bbl flats are brightly polished but unmarked. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with Whitworth sheaf of wheat trademarks, left bbl with SN. Late style ejector action with one piece cocking hook/ extractor cam, is gold inlaid on water table "1000" on left side, and stamped with SN on right. Action features standard cocking indicators and checkered gold-plated triggers. Action is engraved with full coverage exceptionally well cut and shaded medium scroll interspersed with larger scroll, within geometric and knot-work borders. Beads are beautifully filed with cove moldings, which are geometrically engraved and gold washed. Outer beads are exquisitely engraved with fern leaves. Gold inlay on the action is extensive with wire highlights on large tendrils of scroll and around lump hole. Outer beads have beautifully detailed flowers and there is foliate counterpoint to areas of scroll on body of action. A gold inlaid, semi relief grouse perches on branch on bottom of action, and a quail is in oval on trigger plate. Fences are relief engraved with three classic stylized shamrocks with gold counterpoint at centers. Delicately stippled background is gold washed. Top lever has nicely filed gold washed moldings at bottom of thumbpiece. A flying gold pigeon surrounded by gold wire is on pivot. Top tang without safety has more gold inlaid foliage and fine engraving. The lockplates have very fine detailed vignettes of gun dogs in ovals, surrounded by two bands of gold wire and an intricate gold washed foliate band. Larger scrolls on plates have gold wire accents which continue on to rebated tails. "LEFEVER ARMS CO" is in gold wire outlined rectangular devices with gold inlaid and engraved foliate ends. Beaded borders of lockplate have each bead individually gold inlaid. Matching trigger guard has relief gold inlaid setter on bow with gold wire surround. SN is beautifully gold inlaid on trigger guard tang, which extends to dimpled horn grip cap with inlet crenelated gold plate engraved "1000". The quality of all this work is beyond compare, eclipsing all competitors. Beautifully marbled European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/8" over old Silver pad. Stock features classic ivory dot accented horn "clock hand" drop points and beautifully executed borderless checkering in fancy pattern of two different spacings separated by scrolled ribbon, as well as large flourish of checkering extending toward comb of stock. A relief engraved gold shield with monogram "TS" is on toe line. Splinter forend has fleur-di-lis checkering with multiple ribbons, fancy hard rubber tip. Release cover is engraved to match action, with gold inlaid portrait of spaniel on central circle. Release is of friction type. IMPORTANT NOTE: There has been much debate about whether this is a genuine $1000 Grade. As a result of much examination and careful consideration we warrant that this is a genuine high grade Lefever shotgun with exquisite original Lefever engraving. What we cannot and will not guarantee is the gold "1000" inlay on the watertable and we cannot and will not guarantee all of the gold inlays throughout the gun. Bore diameter: left-.730, right -.731. Bore restrictions: left -.031 (Full), right -.032 (Full). Wall thickness: left -.030, right -.033. Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Weight: 8 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14-1/8". CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain 80% of what appears to be their orig blue, with a number of light marks, thinning considerably above forend, at natural hold point with some rubs. Action retains a considerable amount of its orig case hardening color, exact percentage difficult to assess because of extent of engraving and gold wash. Case hardening on water table is over 90%. Breech faces show traces of color, and considerable erosion around firing pin holes. Cocking hook and ejectors retain all their mirror polish. Gold wash on fences and beads is beginning to thin. Gold inlay shows a number of light marks and scratches. Buttstock retains most of what appears to be its orig high gloss finish. Checkering has considerable wear, and has not been re-cut. Orig pad has been "cleaned up". Forend wood has been replaced and retains most of its orig finish, checkering excellent, but dark. (It appears from wear pattern on bbls that gun was fitted with a beavertail forend for a while.) Metal parts of forend are original. Bores are excellent, bright with some minor light striations. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. An incredibly rare "over the top" American classic. The "Holy Grail" of Lefevers, akin to the "Invincible" to the Parker fraternity. 4-48886 MGM164
Auction Location:
203 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, United States
Previewing Details:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 11-13, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., October 14, 15 & 16, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
21% |
Additional Fees:
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CONDITIONS OF SALE - PLEASE READ
Please be sure to read the conditions before participating in the sale.
For years, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. We have tried to apply this same principle in preparing this particular sale. So that you might know what the limitations are for this sale, we have tried to clearly outline the conditions below, which will specifically indicate how various circumstances will be handled.
1. GUARANTEE: We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. If you are a discerning, highly particular customer, expecting mint or near mint condition, it is advisable that you not ever submit absentee bids here or at any auction house without seeing the item in person, since your definition of condition might be far more particular than what any cataloger would have time or space to specify. The entire purpose of our catalog description is to give our readers a general description and idea of what the lot is and we will stand behind that description regarding a major discrepancy only. If the discrepancy is less than a major discrepancy, under no circumstances would any adjustment or refund be made. Should the need arise, the auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the sale. Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalog unless we were able to contact you prior to the lot being sold and advise of this discrepancy. If we are unable to reach you or if time does not permit, we will not execute your bid. Please Note: the only thing we guarantee is what is in print in the catalog and what is announced from the block at the time of sale. Absolutely nothing discussed over the telephone or in person prior to the auction shall be construed as part of the guarantee. Since opinions can differ, particularly in the matter of condition, the auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of refunds. This guarantee is limited to the following time duration and limits. Please read:
A. TIME LIMIT: For live bidders it is expected that you have examined the items before you purchased them and that as you pick them up, you will re-examine them one last time. If there is a problem regarding condition, it is expected that you would notify us immediately before leaving the auction facility. If you are an absentee bidder then it is your responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is your responsibility to contact us immediately. Please note: All guarantees and options for refunds or adjustment become null and void 45 days after the auction. We pay consignors on the 45th day. Once we have paid our consignors we no longer have control for the payment and under no circumstances can we consider any refunds. If you suspect that there is a major discrepancy or problem with authenticity of your lot, it is your responsibility to contact our office before the 45 days are up and let us know that you need some extra time. We can usually make arrangements to extend the guarantee for a few days if you personally advise us. Please note: If you pay late and thus, receive your items late, it does not qualify for special privileges. The guarantee is null and void 45 days after the auction. It is your responsibility to pay for and acquire your purchases in a timely fashion. So if there is a major discrepancy, you have time to notify our office. Please remember that if you call us 46 days after the auction, there is nothing we can do about a major discrepancy except apologize to you. If you want to be considered for an adjustment or refund, it is your responsibility to notify us within 45 days after the auction.
B. LIMIT OF RESTITUTION: Under no circumstances will the auctioneer be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages. Refunds requested on the grounds of authenticity must be accompanied by at least a supporting written statement from an authority recognized by the auctioneers. Auctioneer will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post auction costs. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer’s responsibility to return it in the same condition as received.
C. TYPE OF RESTITUTION: An item that qualifies for an adjustment is limited to one of the following options:
1) Major problems, (i.e. fakes, significant alteration, major unannounced restoration, etc.) will result in a refund in sale price, adjustment in sale price or repair by the auctioneer. The auctioneer shall be the judge as to the final resolve.
2) Less than major problems or discrepancies are not part of the guarantee and no refund or adjustment will be considered for less than major problems.
2. RECEIPT OF GOODS: All goods sold will be tagged and can be claimed upon presentation of paid receipts ONLY. All items to be wrapped will be wrapped by the purchaser, unless the items are to be shipped.
3. PROTESTED BIDS: In case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer is the sole determinant as to who is the successful bidder and at his discretion may re-offer and resell the article in dispute.
4. TAX: State of Maine sales tax is 5.5% and will be collected at time of payment unless a current sales tax certificate is on file or if shipped anywhere except Maine and Massachusetts. If purchases are shipped to a Maine address, sales tax of 5% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file. If purchases are shipped or delivered to a Massachusetts address, sales tax of 6.25% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file.
5. NOMINAL BIDS: The Auctioneer may reject nominal bids, small opening bids or very nominal advances made with purpose of disparaging an item. If a lot fails to open for 25% to 30% of the low estimate, the item may be passed from the block by the Auctioneer and may not be re-offered until a later sale.
6. ABSENTEE BIDS: Phone, fax or mail bids will be accepted with a 20% deposit, late bids or last minute bids can be confirmed with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express number, in many cases. In such case, the bookkeeper will execute such bids competitively. It is entirely possible to buy items by absentee bid for less than your top bid price. Please Note: Absentee bids are a service provided to our customers free of charge. Every effort is made to execute all absentee bids; however, you must know that this is not a perfect system neither here nor at any other auction house. In the event of an error of omission or failure to properly execute absentee bids, the auctioneer shall not be held liable.
7. TERMS: All items are to paid for in American funds at the day of the auction. Non-residents who have not established an account with us and wish to pay by check, must do so prior to the beginning of the auction by presenting a current letter of reference from their bank or by providing references which are suitable to the auctioneer. Absentee Bidders - Directly after the auction a bill will be sent to you for the items you purchased and a total amount due. This bill is due upon presentation and must be paid immediately. The auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank, if the auctioneer deems such action necessary to protect his interest. For bidders located outside of the United States we only accept payment by checks drawn on U.S. banks or wire transfer.
8. INTEREST AND DEFAULT: Payment is due upon receipt. If the buyer’s invoice is not paid in full within 15 days of the auction, James D. Julia, Inc. has the right and will charge the buyer’s credit card of record on file for the total invoice amount. Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 1-1/2% monthly (18% APR) effective 15 days from the date of purchase/auction. Should the buyer not comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, the damage recoverable from the defaulter shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lot, together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales as well as any legal or collection fees incurred. James D. Julia, Inc. shall hold any money deposited in partial payment on account of any liability of the defaulted item.
9. RESERVES: Some items in this auction may carry a conservative reserve. Therefore, the auctioneer may bid on behalf of the owner or for the auction house. The purchaser will be the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below the low estimate in the catalog. Actual reserve figures cannot be divulged, but we will tell you if an item carries a reserve should you ask.
10. WITHDRAWAL: We reserve the right to withdraw any property before sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
11. TITLE: A title passes upon the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer. It will then be the responsibility of the buyer to make full payment prior to removing the goods from the premises. It is both the buyer’s risk and expense for removal and must be made at the conclusion of the sale unless other arrangements are made with the Julia’s Operations Manager. Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.
12. PHONE BIDS: At the discretion of the auctioneer, phone bidding may be arranged on more expensive items, (i.e. $500 or more). In order to make arrangements to bid on the telephone at the time a lot is being sold, you must contact our office in advance of the auction. We will make arrangements to call you just prior to the lot being sold so that you may bid over the telephone. There are usually a limited number of phone lines available into the room, so if you wish to bid over the telephone, it is important for you to make your arrangements early. “Cover-me Bids”: if you wish to bid by telephone, you might also want to consider a “cover-me bid” at the time you make arrangements for phone bidding. A “cover-me bid” allows your phone contact here at Julia’s to still execute a predetermined bid amount for you in the case that they cannot get through to you on the telephone. Your phone agent is the only person who will have this bid and will only use it to bid in the event that he/she cannot reach you. Assuming you are reached via telephone, they would not use your bid, but rely on your verbal instructions. “Cover-me bids” are not mandatory, you can place one at your discretion, they are simply a safety device in the event you cannot be reached by telephone in time.
13. AGENT RESPONSIBILITY: If you are registering or executing a bid for someone else under your number, please bear in mind that you are responsible for the settlement of that account with us regardless of whether the person you’re executing or registering for pays you or not.
14. BUYER’S PREMIUM: Shall be reduced to 18% of the final bid price, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. This is assuming the account is paid by check, cash or any equivalent of cash. If you settle your account by credit card the buyer’s premium then shall be the standard 21% of the final bid price which will be applied to each lot sold to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.
15. LEGAL DISPUTE: Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of Maine.
16. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE: The Maine Uniform Commercial Code, Title 11, Section 2-328 applies to this auction sale.
17. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS: Bidding on article(s) indicates your acceptance of all of the above terms.
18. MAINE AUCTIONEER RULES AND REGULATIONS: The Maine Auctioneer Rules and regulations are regulated by the Maine Board of Licensing of Auctioneers, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.
19. AUCTIONEER’S LICENSE NUMBERS: Auctioneer: James D. Julia ME License #AR83; NH License #2511 Mass. License #1406
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.