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Nichols & Lefever Shotgun

bob834
Hi, I have a very old shotgun I had recieved from a friend who is about 75yrs. old and he told me it was his dads rabbit hunting gun when he was young. I think I had wrote awhile back about this gun but didn't find anyone with any worth while information, and I'am hoping to maybe find and expert that can help me. The shotgun is a 10 gauge double barrel with exposed hammers.I will describe it to you as best as I can. All of the serial numbers match and are stamped on all of the main parts.The serial number is 3 digits and is number#775 the underside of the barrel is stamped with the serial number it also has a stamping marked "C" inside of a square. The top of the barrel says NICHOLS & LEFEVER SYRACUSE N.Y On the top of the end of the barrel it looks like someone had soldered it but the bead is still on the barrel.The barrel measures about 30 inches.The reciever has alot of engravings, and the screw heads also are engraved. The sides have pictures of what appears to be hunting dogs and they also say Nichols & Lefever.Where the barrel sets into the reciever it is also stamped #775 and on the other side it is stamped with the letter "C".On the botom of the reciever it also has alot of engravings/scroll work and has a picture of a Stag/Deer. On the bottom of the trigger guard it has a picture of a "hunting dog in the weeds" with some scroll work around it. The hammers look identical except for where you place you thumb to cock them back. One has nice fine grooves and the other has a more rough cut. I'am not sure if one was changed or it was manufactured this way. The forearm is also stamped with the #775. I'am thinking of selling this gun but have no idea how to find out what it is worth or when it was made. If anyone can help me I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your time Bob
P.S You can reach me at userbob25207@aol.com




Robert Kozelka
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  • nord
    It would appear that you have an early Lefever as Syracuse seems to have attracted gunmakers just after the Civil War. L.C. Smith was also a member of the crew as were others such as Baker.

    Your gun... It would appear that you have a graded gun, though I'm not familiar enough with the early Lefevers to comment beyond that. I believe the general value will be somewhat lower than the slightly later Lefever's, but it probably isn't all that important.

    Condition will be the deciding factor. The hammer is a replacement and that will devalue the piece as will any other non-professional repairs that are in evidence.

    Since we're speaking of a 10 ga. black powder gun made in a limited quantity, I see no way of establishing a value, other than to agree with a buyer on a price. That is the exact figure of the market value at the time of transfer.

    Please don't think this is a smart answer... It's not! I'm merely stating that the gun is somewhat rare (rare has nothing to do with value) and will enjoy a limited market. The exact amount you and a buyer establish at the moment of transfer could well shift up or down 10 minutes after. That's the way it works.

    Nord
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