I agree with Keith, I've never seen a G-grade Lefever with that tear drop behind the side plate, or a Prince of Wale's grip. But I think there has been
some other work done to it, and I hope someone will spot it.
Well Fred, the compensating ball-end screw in the action knuckle shows some buggering, which is seen fairly often. Apparently, many owners couldn't resist attempting to tighten that big screw. I suspect most gave up after being unable to move it, and after seeing they were doing damage. Every one I have attempted to turn took lots of effort, long penetrating oil soaks, heat, etc.
The big clue to other work being done on this gun is the second serial no. of 61599 on the right barrel. It is said the presence of a second serial number indicates some major factory modification or repair, such as replacement of a damaged barrel. Robert Elliot estimated that this practice consumed around 5000 numbers out of the total of 72,000 or so. And production of the hammerless guns started with S/N 5000. So the total production would have been around 62,000 if Elliot's production estimates were correct. In this case, I'd suspect the modification was the addition of automatic ejectors. But the right barrel may also have had some work done, because it is evident the muzzle wall is much thinner compared to the left. Perhaps the barrel was honed to remove pitting, or the right choke was opened up.
I had this gun on my Watch list. Not because I wanted it, but because I was curious what it would end up selling for. It sold for a higher price than I expected for a well used G Grade that has a replacement buttstock and cocking issues. But as has been noted, even this incorrect restocking job on a Lefever would cost more than the total sale price, including fees and shipping, so it was better than buying one with a trashed original stock. A competent DIY'er should be able to fix the cocking problem for zero to $50.00, depending upon any used replacement parts being needed.
I disagree with Lloyd about the days of "project guns" being behind us now. While there are certainly fewer people willing to learn to repair or restore old guns, cars, houses, etc., there will always be some people who have the inborn trait of wanting to fix things. And amateur fixes will continue to run the gamut from bubble-gum and baling wire to top flight restorations.
We do have this phenomena that started during the Biden Administration called the "Great Resignation". where many people simply dropped out of the workforce. Even now, long after the Covid19 debacle, we still have large numbers of people who simply refuse to work. I believe that removing all forms of taxpayer funded Public Assistance or Welfare for able-bodied people would cure that shit post-haste.
