I posted this at the Lefever site before remembering this thread. I was recently and briefly shown a Lefever book. I am unsure of the title since the book was already open to a page. A picture on that page depicted a higher grade with double stamp that was described as an indication of factory work/repair.
The following photo demonstrates the different, but sequential, serial numbers on this G stamped with different tools. It seems to resemble the H in this thread in that 45656 G seems to be filled with solder as Kutter described.
I dont necessarily agree with 8bs first point that would have us discussing in this thread alone several surviving examples of replaced barrels. I am surprised though that a gun would have to be stamped this way after factory repair.
The following photo could be considered evidence of factory work in that serial 45656 could have been stamped on the extractor (you should be able click on the picture to zoom) as a replacement. The more likely explanation has to be related to 8Bs second point This gun may have been barrelled with the original serial number, and soon after, another set of barrels was selected for final assembly and shipping.
Kutters theory would have barrel set, with extractors, stamped 45656 prior to assembly. A change in plans leads 45656 action being fitted with a different set of barrels and barrel set 45656 being set aside and fit to the next one down the line 45657. All other parts are stamped or engraved 45657.
Shoot straight,
Bird
