Ithaca 5E Single Barrel Trap – 1944, 90% CASE COLOR, 32”

The Ithaca Gun Co. produced the most iconic trap gun ever invented, the Knickerbocker or “Knick” Single Barrel Trap Gun.  In production from 1922 until the last Knick was made in 1982, 5740 were produced.  By 1935 the Knick had won the Grand American Handicap six times, by 1976 was responsible for over 25% of the total wins at the Grand American and has been the most well-known single barrel trap gun in American history.  If you scan the internet for Ithaca Single Barrel Trap (SBT) guns, they are always a few to be found, and many of them will be considerably less money than this fine Ithaca SBT, sn402788 made in 1944.  There are reasons for this; some are less desirable Flues Model SBT’s with serial numbers under 400,000.  There are many Grade 4E guns, few Grade 5E guns.  The Grade 5 guns had solid gold inlays, highly figured walnut, fancier checkering, and fancier engraving.  Most have been shot A LOT and show much wear.  The most valuable are guns showing high factory original finishes on the metal, with lots of case color and no notable wear.  There are so few Grade 5E Knick SBT guns with 90% case color that they are the most sought after and are the truly investment grade guns.  Now make no mistake, there are few shotguns, modern or vintage, that can come to the traps with the patterns and shooting characteristics, including brute strength, that has been seen in the Ithaca known as the Knick.  These are shooting machines!  Most of the 5E Knicks you see were engraved by Bill McGraw and have a standardized pattern.  The barrel is 32” full choke and retains 99% factory blue with perfect mirror bore, the receiver retains 90% factory case color, excellent screws, the mechanics are perfect, the barrel is tight on the hinge pin and breach face…AND THE WOOD IS EXHIBITION WALNUT WITH FULL FLAME FEATHER CROTCH…STUNNING, with original factory stock dimensions. THIS IS A “VFI CERTIFIED GUN”, meaning we stripped the forend iron and receiver to the smallest parts, ran it through the Ultrasonic cleaner, inspected all parts for integrity and function, then lubricated and reassembled (a $450 service).  VFI CERTIFIED guns carry a 90-day mechanical warranty. This gun has it all; high condition, factory original metal finishes, gorgeous wood, heavy raised gold inlays, and 32” barrel.  Vintage Firearm’s gunsmith department restored the wood to new, as it exhibited the crazed finish that most Knick trap guns have.  Nobody wants a gorgeous gun with a crazed stock finish and to find a competent gunsmith to restore the stock is difficult and the wait time is often over a year.  NOTHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO THIS GUN.  IT IS STUNNING AND READY TO GO SHOW OFF AT THE CLUB AND CRUSH TARGETS.  How fun will it be to beat your buddies with a gun built 81 years ago!?  If you ever wanted to own the perfect example of a finely engraved Ithaca 5E Knick SBT, this one is investment quality and sure to increase in value as you enjoy its use.  Most are aware that in today’s world a competition trap gun so highly engraved, gold inlaid, and checkered with exhibition wood would exceed $25,000 in cost.  The Ithaca Knick Grade 5E is a bargain priced work of art that will still compete in the toughest arenas. See specifications below.  Thanks for looking!