Another question comes to mind. What part did US patent #865,310 play on the production of this gun. This patent was applied for on April 2, 1898 SN-676,180 but was not issued until Sept 3, 1907 to C F Lefever (Fred). This patent covers the "Small" single cocking hook as used on Lefever guns, without the extrator cam of the large hook. Patent drawing shows it on a gun having plate mounted sears. Why?? did it take 9 years & 5 months to issue. This would I believe, be the '07 date stamped on late Syracuse built LAC guns. This patent would have been applied for some time before Uncle Dan & his sons left LAC, but not issued until after his death & the demise of the New Lefever Co. What prevented the issuance of this patent in a timely manner & did it's issuance prevent Waverly from further using this hook. The hook in the pictured gun actually to me looks more like that used on some of the D M Lefever guns than on the LAC guns. At it's 1907 issuancence incidently, C F Lefever is listed as Assignor to Lefever Arms Co. Elliot lists him as being an inspector for Union Fire Arms Co of Toledo, OH from 1905-1910.
