Lefever Arms Company: A Guide to Identifying and Valuing Shotguns

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Hunter with Rifle
Credit: pexels.com, Hunter with Rifle

The Lefever Arms Company was a renowned American firearms manufacturer, particularly known for its high-quality shotguns. Founded in 1853, the company's products were highly sought after by hunters and sportsmen.

The company's early success can be attributed to its innovative approach to shotgun design, which included the introduction of the "Lefever #1" shotgun in 1898. This model was a groundbreaking combination of style and functionality.

Lefever Arms Company shotguns were prized for their durability and accuracy, making them a favorite among hunters and collectors alike.

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Identification

Lefever Arms Company shotguns are hammerless, which means they don't have a visible hammer.

The firing mechanism of a Lefever shotgun is cocked whenever you open the breech, so be sure to check this feature when trying to identify one.

You can also check the buttplate for the company's name, "Lefever Arms Company", which is engraved on all of their firearms.

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Remove LeFever

If you're trying to identify a firearm and the manufacturer is LeFever, you can rule out the possibility that it's a LeFever Arms Company product after 1916.

LeFever Arms Company was purchased by Ithaca Gun Company in 1916, so any firearms produced after that year wouldn't be from LeFever.

The LeFever Arms Company was based in Syracuse, NY and was known for producing hammerless double barrel shotguns.

Identification & Value

Close-up view of two professional shotgun microphones in a recording studio.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of two professional shotgun microphones in a recording studio.

If you're trying to identify a Lefever Arms Company shotgun, look for the company's name engraved on the buttplate. This is a distinctive feature that sets Lefever Arms apart from other breech-loading shotguns.

Lefever Arms shotguns are also hammerless, meaning they don't have a visible hammer. Instead, the firing mechanism is cocked whenever the breech is opened.

Marks and Examples

The Lefever Arms Company was known for its distinctive representation in advertising. A picture of a Lefever shotgun with the action open was used to showcase the company's products.

The company's name was engraved onto the buttplate of all shotguns it manufactured, making it a recognizable mark.

Marks

Marks can be a distinctive feature of a company's products, like the Lefever Arms Company's shotguns. The company name was engraved onto the buttplate of all shotguns it manufactured.

The Lefever Arms Company used a picture of a Lefever shotgun with the action open for advertising purposes.

Examples of Shotgun Appraisal Values

Person Releasing Shotgun Shell on Shotgun
Credit: pexels.com, Person Releasing Shotgun Shell on Shotgun

The Lefever Arms Company produced hammerless, double-barreled, breech-loading shotguns. Their firearms are easily identifiable by the engraved "Lefever Arms Company" on the buttplate.

The Lefever Arms Company's unique design feature is that the firing mechanism is cocked whenever the breech is opened. This can be a valuable characteristic for collectors and enthusiasts.

The value of a Lefever Arms shotgun can be determined by its rarity, condition, and demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Ithaca buy Lefever?

Ithaca Gun Company acquired Lefever Arms Company in 1916. Lefever shotguns were manufactured from 1921 until the early 1940s.

Antoinette Cassin

Senior Copy Editor

Antoinette Cassin is a seasoned copy editor with over a decade of experience in the field. Her expertise lies in medical and insurance-related content, particularly focusing on complex areas such as medical malpractice and liability insurance. Antoinette ensures that every piece of writing is clear, accurate, and free of legal and grammatical errors.

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