IthacaOwners.com

I am looking for assistance identifying an antique Ithaca shotgun I recently inherited from my father who got it from his brother-in-law who got it from some other family member. At this point, no one in the family knows anything about the origin of this firearm. It has a serial number in the 250,000 range. From what I can tell by the “Models, Serial Numbers and Manufacturing Dates for Ithaca Guns” pamphlet on Ithaca’s website, it is either a Crass and Nig (1894-1895), Lefever Nitro Special (1927-1928), Flues and Nig (1914-1915), or Western Arms Mode (1931). Looking at photos online, I cannot rule out any of these models. Any identification assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
--JoeyG.

Wow, you'd have to post some photos to give us something to go by.
Also, all markings, including proof markings.
And does it have Damascus or fluid steel barrels.

BPskeeter,
Thank you for your interest and rapid reply. I will post some photos this weekend.
--JoeyG.

Some things that might help to identify are---are the barrels damascus or steel (what does it say on the barrels), what are the lengths of the chambers, what is there for engraving on the sides of the receiver, is it a heavier gun as the Flues models were quite light, what is the gauge. Posting a pic would really help.

Thank you for your interest. I am unable to post photos. I have a request in with the adminstrators to resolve the issue and will post the phots as soon as I can.
--JoeyG.

Photos attached.

More Photos

Still More Photos

Last Set. Thanks again. Let me know if there are any other photos you would like to see.
--JoeyG.

I do believe that you have a Flues. Serial numbers match up. If it was a Lefever, it would be marked as such.
What condition are the bores in? Do you have plans to shoot it? If you do, make sure that you have the chamber length checked by a competent gunsmith.

Thank you very much! I don't plan on shooting a shutgun from 1915. Especially with the condition of the barrels. Right now I plan on keeping it in my safe until I decide to sell it. It is insured [*]for a few hundred dollars. Is that the correct ballpark? I know it is pretty banged up. Can you estimate an insurance/sale value...if I find the right collector.

If the shotgun is in good shape, just because it was made in 1915 shouldn't keep you from shooting it. I shoot a Crass model from 1900, and wife shoots a Stevens made before 1916. She also shoots an original muzzleloader, circa 1850's.
But you are right concerning the value. It does look a little rough, but restorable.

Thanks, BPskeeter.
I appreciate your time and expertise. Right now I have no plans to fire a 96-year-old shotgun. I plan on keeping it in storage until I decide to keep it or sell it. I will continue to research the family history. If it is worth keeping, I will. By the photos, do you have any idea what it is worth? Is it worth taking it to an appraiser or sending it to Ithaca for appraisal?
Thanks again,
--Joey G.

PM sent

Sorry about the double post...I wasn't sure the other one took. Thank you for the e-mail reply.
--JoeyG.

It is a Flues field grade model. If that is a 2 in the first number of your serial number, it was made in 1915. I would have this gun checked out ( by a competent smith/person who knows double barrels)before using. From you pics, it appears there is some severe pitting on the outside of the barrels. If there is pitting on the inside as well, I would not be firing it. Also, how tight is the action. Even if the gun is okay to use, do not shoot modern high pressure loads in it. This gun was designed for the loads back in the day which used different powders than today. It probably has short chambers as well. They should be measured as well as barrel wall thickness. You can buy low pressure vintage loads from polywad or RST. They are designed for these old guns. Also, the frame on the Flues is prone to cracking if using heavy loads. One also has to remember that the wood is nearly 100 years old. Heavy loads will likely crack the stock in the wrist area. These guns are vintage guns and are fun to shoot (if safe) and should be treated with respect to their age. As far as value, these guns aren't worth that much. A gun in the condition of yours would not bring more than $150.00 where I am. In fact there is a fairly nice original Flues 12 gauge for sale now for $300.00.

Yeah, I agree with BPskeeter,

I`d say it was a later Flues , around 1924.

Flues. Made in 1915.

Hi, I am new on your forum. I just bought an Ithaca side-by-side, serial number 427708. It has a dog on each side and two pins on top showing when cocked. Condition is good. A crack on the left side. Easily fixable. Any precision on the grade. I live in Granby, Quebec and french speaking. I hope that this message is clear. I believe it is a NID.

the grade will be marked on the receiver flats ..
remove the foregrip ,,remove the barrels ..
look at the receiver where the barrels would close over

there should be a SN#,a gauge marking ,,grade marking and choke designations

Ithaca #427708 with cocking indicators would indeed be a NID and made in 1926.

The NIDs were very good guns and were made from 1926 to 1948. However, they didn't sell very well due to the Great Depression and the trend toward repeating shotguns. Less than 45,000 were made.

i inherited my great uncles ithaca sxs 12 gauge can you tell me what and when was made serial number is 177203 its a breakdown under barrel is stamped 1 and a half and 12 it has engraved banners on either side that say ithaca hammerless it has damascuc barrels and should i try cleaning it up or leave alone its numbers matching from what i can tell somebody please help enclosed best pics i could get thx nate also pretty sure has damascus barrels

You have an early Flues model made in 1908. The "1 1/2" means quality 1-1/2 which was a Flues gun with Damascus steel barrels. This was a upgrade from quality 1 which had twist steel barrels.

Cleaning it would be fine of course, but I wouldn't refinish it if that is what you mean.

Personally I don't shoot Damascus barrel guns. Some people do, but they use low pressure shells like those made by Polywad or RST. I would also recommend you have a good gunsmith check it over before you think about shooting it.