Active from 1883 to 1916, Lefever Arms was the home of "Uncle Dan" Lefever, the arms innovator responsible for both the hammerless shotgun and automatic shell ejection. The Optimus was the top grade offered by the firm at the turn of the century, with this example showing a number of features that were likely special order, particularly the straight wrist on the stock and the naked butt. The shotgun offered here was upgraded in the late 20th Century to duplicate the aforementioned grade, of which it is not. White bead front and mid sights on the rib, with light geometric engraving on the dolls-head extension, border engraving, a gold band and a 1 1/4 inch engraved wedge at each breech, "Lefever Arms Co." on the right barrel, "Whitworth Fluid Steel" on the left. The frame shows nearly 100% coverage of fine engraving, with scroll patterns overall, floral patterns on the screws and deeply cut on the recoil shields, "LEFEVER ARMS CO" on each lockplate, "Optimus" on the water table and the patent dates on the underside. Each lockplate is gold inlaid with a pointer in a field scene in the center and a game bird towards the front, another game bird on the underside, a raised bird on the break lever and a scene of a hunting dog with a downed bird in it's mouth on the trigger guard. Both lockplate also have a small downward step at the rear which aligns with a matching step in the stock, and the action is fitted with an automatic safety, gold inlaid "S" position, golden pin cocking indicators and a pair of gold finished triggers with hand-cut checkering and scroll accents. The stock is extra-fancy French walnut with scroll accented checkering, with an inlaid gold dog's head on the underside of the splinter forearm, straight wrist, an unmarked gold inscription panel on the underside and a checkered naked flat butt with horn panels at the toe and heel. Measurements: weight - 7 pounds 9.4 ounces, choke - cylinder and modified, chambers - 2 3/4 inches, drop at comb - 1 3/8 inches, drop at heel - 2 3/8 inches, length of pull - 14 3/8 inches.

Very fine as professionally custom upgraded, with 98% of the blue finish, showing the first evidence of a well aged brown patina, along with some light handling marks. The mid bead was moved back about 5 1/4 inches, with the original position cleanly lowered flush with the rib. Bright and vivid case colors are present on the frame, concentrated around the barrels and in other protected areas, with some fading to brown along the edges. The detail in the engraving and inlay is very sharp. The stock is very good as repaired, with a mended chip on the right side of the stock between the lock and trigger guard, along with some light scuffs and handling marks. All of the checkering is finely cut, and the grain is exceptional. Mechanically excellent