DM Lefever Sidecocker F Grade Hammerless 10 GA Double Shotgun, 1882 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,180.00

WOA#: WY240321KS029

Make: D.M. Lefever

Model: Sidecocker, F Grade

Serial Number: 6697

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1882

Caliber: 10 GA, Black Powder

Action Type: Top-Break Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Side-Cocking Lever, Cocking Indicators & Extractor

Markings: Each sideplate is marked “D.M. LEFEVER / HAMMERLESS / PAT. JUNE 20 1880.”. The trigger plate is marked “PAT 1872 1878”. The water table, guard, and the bottom of the left barrel are each marked “6697”. The top of the rib is marked “D.M. LEFEVER MAKER PATENTEE SYRACUSE N.Y.”.

Barrel Length: 30″

Choke: Both barrels are choked Improved Cylinder, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and checkered horn buttplate. The forend has a triangular ebony tip. The forend has a few small losses around the edges. There are tiny cracks at the rear of the left sideplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ and 12 7/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 2 3/8″, drop at heel 3 1/4″. The plate has scattered wear, some nicks, and open grain-lines. The stocks rate in Very Good-plus overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Browned Damascus & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate about 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have generally strong damascus patterning. The receiver has mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina with some muted color on the water table. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface erosion. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. The barrel release is in the top tang, pushed forward to open the action. The lever on the left cocks both barrels. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Daniel Lefever created the first commercially successful hammerless double barreled shotgun in the United States, spawning a new array of models from the burgeoning manufacturing industry in New York which included Ithaca, L.C. Smith, and his own Lefever Arms Company. This is an example of that first gun, the Sidecocker. This one is an F Grade Hammerless, having the distinctive cocking lever on the left with an opening lever on the top tang that is pushed forward. Though made in 1882, this example still retains much of its finish and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking to add to an American shotgun collection or just want a nice double-barrel with some old American quality design and craftsmanship, this is a great shotgun to pick up. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud