Lefever EE Grade 16 ga – BUILT ON A 20ga FRAME, 1 of 450

Mr. Elliot’s book “Uncle Dan Lefever-Master Gunmaker” notes there were very few higher-grade 16ga. or 20ga. Lefevers produced.  There were only about 500 hundred made as the E Grade in 16ga., and about half of those had ejectors.  Initially, 16-gauge guns were produced on their own frame, but later they were built on 20-gauge frames, giving an exceptionally light and pointable gun with great balance in what many believe to be the perfect shotgun bore. This fine example, built around 1906, weighs in at just 6 lbs 5 oz. Has 28” Krupp steel barrels retaining 97% bluing, thinning in some areas, with a few finish imperfections that are not unusual for a gun of this age.  The beautifully machined rib has a front silver bead and a Doll’s head rib extension that serves an important purpose in the famous Lefever compensating action. The forend nib and clamshell latch escutcheon are engraved nicely and very well fit to the wood of the point pattern-checkered forearm.  The trigger guard, frame and side plates hold 95% case coloring, fading at the hold points.  The side locks are engraved with the brand, a pointer and a setter in ovals surrounded by scroll and geometric patterns.  The frame, top tang, and lever are also nicely engraved but not overly done. The trigger guard is engraved with a flying drake mallard over a marsh inset in an oval between geometric details. The Walnut half-pistol grip stock has point-pattern checkering with good borders, later model horn grip cap, and a serrated horn butt plate.  The stock shows very few light handling marks with a rich oil rubbed finish.  The ejectors are strong and well-timed; the auto safety, double trigger, and cocking indicators all function properly. This is an exceptional and versatile gun that will be of great service out in the grouse woods or at the gun club, with modern stock dimensions, skeet and improved cylinder chokes.  Thank you for your consideration!