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Lefever Arms Company
Based in New York, Lefever Arms Company manufactured firearms from 1883 until 1916.
196 Questions
The Lefever Arms Co., based in Ithaca, New York, produced shotguns from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. The serial number 13499 suggests that this particular Lefever long range field and trap gun was manufactured around the early 1900s, likely between 1900 and 1910. This single-barrel, 12-gauge shotgun is known for its craftsmanship and is sought after by collectors. For precise dating and valuation, consulting specific Lefever production records or a firearms expert is recommended.
Where was the original Lefever Arms factory?
The original Lefever Arms Co. was located in Syracuse, NY.
Lefever Arms began as an 1861 partnership between DM Lefever and James Ellis, and was named Lefever and Ellis. The Canandaigua, NY manufacturer primarily made muzzle-loading rifles, including the ones used by the New York State Sharpshooters during the Civil War.
Ellis left the business in 1867, but Lefever continued to run the company until he moved to Auburn, NY in 1869, where he established himself as an independent gun maker.
In 1871 or 1872, he joined with Francis Dangerfield to found F.S. Dangerfield and Co., in Auburn. Guns from this manufacture were stamped Dangerfield and Lefever, and were based on a breech-loading patent originally filed under Dangerfield's name. This later became known as the "Lefever Patent."
DM Lefever moved to Syracuse, NY in 1874 and partnered with Lorenzo Barber to form L. Barber & Co., which manufactured breech-loading shotguns and rifles. These were stamped "Barber and Lefever."
In 1876, John Nichols bought out Lorenzo Barber's share of the company, and the two men changed the name to Nichols & Lefever. While the partnership was short-lived, it was productive. Lefever invented a hammerless system with a side lever that cocked the firing pins, incorporated it into his breach-loading shotgun, won first prize for the best breech-loading shotgun in America at the St. Louis Bench show and Sportsman's Association in 1878.
Nichols left the company in 1879, but Lefever and his new partner, JW Livingston continued to run the Syracuse factory under the name Nichols & Lefever until the building burned in 1883.
Lefever lost controlling interest in the company due to the losses sustained in the fire. A. Ames Howlett took over as President of the rebuilt Syracuse factory, and renamed it The Lefever Arms Co. in 1884.
DM Lefever left the company bearing his name in 1901, and begins manufacturing side-bolt shotguns under the name DM Lefever Arms Co. He relocated from Syracuse, NY to Defiance, Ohio in 1904.
Meanwhile, the Lefever Arms Co. continued making guns under Lefever's name and patents. Lefever Arms was sold to the Ithaca Gun Company (of Ithaca, NY) in 1916. The Syracuse factory was abandoned after the sale, but Ithaca continued offering the Lefever brand until the original inventory was exhausted in 1921.
Ithaca manufactured the double-barrel Lefever Nitro Special from 1921 until 1935, and the Lefever A Grade from 1934 until 1947.
How do you disassemble a Lefever Nitro Special?
To disassemble a Lefever Nitro Special, first ensure the shotgun is unloaded and the safety is engaged. Open the action and remove the barrel by locating and turning the barrel release lever, usually found at the front of the receiver. Once the barrel is removed, unscrew the stock from the receiver using the appropriate tool or screwdriver. Finally, you can access the internal components for further disassembly if needed, but be cautious and take note of the assembly order for reassembly.
Lefever Arms company shotgun It's a Lefever Nitro Special The Seriaa number is 141098 how old is it?
Your shotgun was manufactured in 1923, by Ithica Guns which took over the Lefever brand when they acquired the corporation in 1916.
How do you tell the grade of a lefever ss shotgun?
To determine the grade of a Lefever SS shotgun, examine the markings on the barrel and receiver, as each grade is typically stamped on these parts. Common grades include "Grade A," "Grade B," "Grade C," and "Grade D," with Grade A being the highest quality. Additionally, inspect the craftsmanship, engraving, and materials used, as higher-grade models feature superior workmanship and embellishments. Consulting a reference book or expert on Lefever shotguns can also provide clarity on specific models and their grades.
When was the Lefever Nitro shotgun serial number 102620 made?
Ithaca Firearms manufactured the Lefever Nitro Special shotgun with serial numbers between 101600 and 119899 in 1922.
When was my lefever shotgun seial number 1728 made?
tell me more about the gun- does it say dm lefever? what guage? any other details so I can deturmin its age
Paul endever4us@aol.com
serial #1728 was a DM Lefever made around 1903 in Defiance Ohio or Bowling Green Ohio I have been collecting these guns for 30 years feel free to call me at 419-450-2454 Ohio for some free advise ! Paul
Where can you find a stock for a lefever trap shotgun?
Try these sources: Numrich gunpartscorp.com
Jack First jackfirstgun.com
Bob's Gun Shop gun-parts.com
When was the Lefever Nitro Special 101007 made?
Ithaca Firearms manufactured the Lefever Nitro Special with serial numbers between 100000 and 101599 in 1921.
Who has a top lever spring for a Lefever DS model shotgun serial 618xx?
Try Numrich gunpartscorp.com, Jack First jackfirstgun.com, or Bob's Gun Shop gun-parts.com Try Numerich gunpartscorp.com, Jack First jackfirstgun.com, or Bob's Gun Shop gun-parts.com
Shot gun stock for a lefever double barel shotgun where can i look?
ANY old Double Stock Needs Fitting! The Tough work is done for you including stock screw holes. Even new original stocks required fitting but these stocks are inletted very close.. you will like them. Straight dense grain Walnut like the Original Stock. Generic Butt Plate============ Click to Enlarge #1 Le Fever Side Plate 12 Semi Finish..$175 #2 Le Fever Drawbolt 12 Double..Semi.$160 Below Le Fever NITRO Double Click to Enlarge Top #1 Hi Grade 12 Semi Finish...........$225Big Bargain for this grade stock. Bottom #2 Standard Semi Finish..........$175
I have the exact same gun. I'm not sure exactly how old it is but it was my great grandfathers so it's probably 80+ years.
These Guns were made until 1942 and ceased after the war was in full swing.
newtest3
I have nearly the same shotgun as well, from all info I have gathered, it is a true Lefever design, which means it is pre-1921 and assembled by Ithica using left over parts from their buyout of Lefever Syracuse, NY. After '21, all info I have found point to Ithica selling a less than wonderful Ithica designed shotgun under the Lefever name.
Ithaca bought out Lefever in 1916. In 1927 they intorduced the Lefever Single Barrel Long Range field and Trap model. Serial No. 11697 was mfg. in 1928 and the model was produced until 1942.
The first Double Barrel Nitro Lefever (16 Gauge) was made in 1921, Serial number started with 100,000. The last Nitro Lefever was madee in 1947, Serial Number 361,199. I have a Niotro Lefever Serial Number 339,290 that was manufactured in 1937. Original price was $29, currently worth approximately $500.
Ithaca gun co. which bought Lefever in 1916, but continued to use the name until 1921... so your gun would most likely be before that. I have the same model and am searching for the exact age myself. My serial on mine is 20066... well, good luck.
Sincerely,
Aaron Alden
What is the value of a Lefever Arms ser no 53xxx cir 1905?
Without more of a description; 10-1000 USD or more
What length chamber does a Lefever Nitro Special have?
The Nitro Special was made during the Ithaca years. The 12ga should have 2 3/4" chambers, but the 16ga may have the older 2 9/16". Best have it measured.
How can you find the gauge of a Lefever Arms shotgun?
If it isn't marked on the barrel, take it to any store that sells shotguns. If you also need to know what length of shells it can use, take it to a gunsmith and let him measure the chambers.
The reference material I have on the "Lefever Arms Co." lists the last s/n number issued for the "Lefever Shotgun" to be in the 73000 range. This accured after Lefever Arms Co. was purchased by the Ithaca Gun Co. in 1915. For the most part the Lefever product line died out ending with the 73000 range s/n listed above. Ithaca did continue to make shotguns marked "Lefever" off and on for many years after that, but I can find no info. on the s/n numbers issued, but I doubt very much if they ever reached the 300,000 range. Ithaca did make a low cost box lock gun they refered to as Lefever Nitro Special (which in no way can be considered a real Lefever) from 1922 to 1947 the last s/n being in the 360,000 range. Assuming that your gun is a Nitro Special and that Ithaca made very few doubles during the war years then your gun was probably made in the early 1940's.
What is a 1945 double barrel 410 Lefever shotgun worth?
Answer
If it is a Nitro Special, it's worth anywhere from $200 to $950 depending on the condition.
Answer
Ithaca Gun Co. purchased Lefever in 1916, but temporarily ceased manufacturing during WW2 from 1943 through 1945, so the gun must have been made in a different year. Do you have the serial number?
Where can you get information about a 16 gauge Lefever Nitro Special serial 350270?
Ithaca Gun Co. manufactured your Lefever Nitro Special in 1940.
