Not a bit surprised. A very rare gun for collectors of American shotguns. If I wasn't getting so old, I might have wanted it myself. I doubt the buyer will be asking for shooting information.
With a bit of gentle cleaning, you would see that the wood in the stock is of outstanding quality. The engraving that is there is of very good quality, and free of the typical "flying turnips" that are typical of early American guns. The barrels are very good quality damascus barrels.
That was not an inexpensive gun in it's day. It is further some of the earliest work of one of the most well respected, American double gun makers of all time. Rare, isn't always valuable.
I agree with both Walt and Ted. A Lefever is always worth taking a close look at.
Lefever guns are simply not as plentiful as other American makers. A Nichols & Lefever is rare unto itself. Yes, they are around but scarce. Add in the thumb release and the fact that JW Livingston's name is on the rib. You are not likely to find another one tomorrow. Only a few are known to exist.
I had bid on that piece, but backed off because another member was also bidding. It is worth the final price? Well, if you check the bidding history, at least a couple of people thought so. Considering some of the asking prices I see on sites like Cabelas for a guild gun, this went cheap.
http://lefeverforum.informe.com/viewtopic.php?t=545Pete
