Ithaca 20 Gauge Flues, Mfg 1909, Near Mint Condition, Damascus Steel
Guns International #: 100517393 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Ithaca Shotguns - Shotguns - American Double
Seller's Information
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Seller: DOUBLEGUN PRESERVATION
Member Since: 3/7/12
State: Virginia
Zip: 22207
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 625-4830
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Certified Check, Postal Money Order, Personal Check
Description:
This Ithaca 20-gauge field-grade Flues is an exceptional and unusual gun for a couple of reasons. In general, a grade 1 shotgun over 100 years old that has remained in near mint condition is about as rare as a grade 4 or grade 5 shotgun in similar condition. Although produced in far larger numbers than the higher grade guns, field grade guns were far more likely than their beautifully engraved counterparts to both have been exposed to harsh conditions and to have been less meticulously stored and maintained over the century. Another factor is that the Damascus barrels on this gun were an upgrade, an extra expense that wing shooters were increasingly less inclined to make by 1909, especially in a field grade gun. Another factor in this gun’s preservation may be that it began its life at the very end of the period of Damascus barrels and would shortly be made obsolescent by advances in powder and shell production technology leading up to and through World War I. One can almost imagine it going into hibernation, waiting for yet another advancement -- in this case the ready availability of high-quality, low-pressure, factory-produced shells by RST and others -- to awaken it and give it another chance for an active life.
The 26-inch barrels on this gun are flawless. They have no pits or dents, inside or out, and the bores are bright. As shown in the pictures, the Oxford Crolle pattern is of high-contrast and excellent uniformity. Also, the light weight of this gun -- only 5 lbs 6 oz – can in part be attributed to its fine Damascus steel, which was lighter than the fluid steel of its day. The gun’s action retains case color over 98 percent of its surface area. The brilliance of the original color has, of course, faded with time, but it still remains vibrant. The wood has recently been properly maintained through the removal of top coats of old discolored and cracked varnish, and the re-application of hand rubbed stock oil and a premier wax. The recoil pad is a well-aged but fully serviceable Redhead.
The barrels are chambered for 2-3/4 inch shells and are choked Improved Cylinder (.007) and Modified (.015). The wall thickness (top/side/bottom) for the right barrel at 9” from muzzle is .027/.023/.023 and at the middle of the barrel is .032/.026/.028; the left barrel is .031/.032/.038 and .035/.038/.035, respectively. The bore diameter 9 inches from the breech is .620 and .617, respectively. Length of pull from the front trigger to the end of the recoil pad is 13-3/4 inches. The drop at the comb is 1-5/8 inches and at the heel 2-5/8 inches. The gun locks up tight and on face; the top lever returns to the right of center. The serial number matches on all parts. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the seller at 703-625-4830.
The inspection period is 7 days from receipt by the buyer. Seller has fired this shotgun using RST-manufactured shells designed for use in Damascus-barreled shotguns. Nevertheless, for any vintage shotgun, and especially for a gun such as this that is 105 years old, it is recommended that new owner have it inspected by a professional gunsmith before firing and then only use shells that produce pressures for which the gun was engineered.
The gun carries a 30-day warrantee, during which the seller will have any mechanical problems documented by a professional gunsmith repaired or accept the return of the gun and refund the price of the gun and the return shipping cost. The seller believes this gun to be all original, and if during the warrantee period the buyer provides documentation from a professional that it is not, the seller will also accept the return of the gun and refund the price of the gun and the return shipping cost. If the buyer would prefer a new period correct Ithaca Sunburst recoil pad to the vintage Redhead, the seller will install it without additional cost. If the buyer is interested, the gun’s canvas and leather carrying case, as shown in the last picture, is also available for purchase.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes