I will try to take a closer look look this evening Jtplumb. I'm pretty certain that my O Excelsior has no proof marks because the U.S. does not have a proof house. Occasionally we see American guns with proof marks because they were at one time sold in a country with Proof laws.
I do recall that my Damascus D.M. Lefever which appears to be a grade 7 D has a SDG stamp under the barrels. This indicates it was sold through the New York Sporting Goods Co. Shoverling, Daly, and Gales. I say it appears to be a 7 D based upon engraving, checkering, etc., because it is a semi-pistol grip gun and has no grade stamp anywhere. I found it interesting that your 1905 catalog did not list the grade 7 D guns any longer. Based upon the low serial number and the "Not Connected With Lefever Arms Co." statement engraved on the trigger plate, I believe mine is a Syracuse gun built in 1902.
