Ithaca SINGLE BARREL TRAP – 1915, 34”, GRADE 6 ENGRAVED

When reviewing the Ithaca Gun Company’s single barrel trap offerings, we know the Flues “One-Barrel Trap Gun” was introduced late in 1914, with the first guns shipping in 1915.  Ithaca Gun Company was at its zenith, outselling Parker Brothers by 2 to 1 in the side x side guns.  It was even more lopsided when compared to A.H. Fox or Lefever Gun Co.  Only L.C. Smith sales could be compared to Ithaca.  The unveiling of their One-Barrel Trap Gun was the start of Ithaca’s dominance in the single barrel trap gun world that lasted from inception to the end of production of the Knick model in 1980.  This Grade 5E Flues SBT, sn260925 produced in 1915, is UNIQUE, AS IT HAS A NUMBER 6 ENGRAVING PATTERN MINUS THE GOLD INLAYS.  If you look at the old Ithaca catalogues, or Walt Snyder’s seminal book “THE ITHACA GUN COMPANY, FROM THE BEGINNING” you will see that the Grade 6 engraving pattern is what is shown on this gun on both sides and the bottom of the action.  The Grade 5 was much different and less ornate.  Most likely engraved by Edward Laytham, it was not uncommon at the beginning of a new model that the first few guns may have some variations.   It makes for an interesting and likely one-of-a-kind Ithaca SBT.  The gun is marked as a Grade 5 and the wood and checkering pattern is Grade 5.  With this gun you simply get much more ornate engraving.  The gun appears to be 100% new straight from the Ithaca factory, but it is expertly restored to as new condition with Turnbull case colors and charcoal blue.  The 34” barrel is choked Full with a mirror bore and 2 ¾” chamber retaining 99% rust blue, crisp rib matting, double ivory beads, and ventilated rib that is in perfect shape.  The action has a triple lock up with the barrel, including an under bolt on the barrel lug and two locking bolts engaging barrel extensions that mate with the action.  This is a strong and reliable lock up system and fully ready for steady competition even in today’s world and with today’s target ammo.  Ithaca’s later SBT model, the Knickerbocker, or “Knick”, is more well known in today’s collecting world, but the Flues model was built strong and up to the task.  THIS IS A VFI CERTIFIED GUN, WITH A 90 DAY MECHANICAL WARRANTY, having been stripped to its smallest parts, Ultrasonic cleaned, inspected, lubricated and reassembled so you can have confidence in your purchase of a 106-year-old gun.  The wood is in beautiful shape, with nicely figured buttstock, crisp fleur-de-li checkering, and nice modern dimensions of 14 1/16” x 2 ½” x 1 ½” to a NoShoc period pad.  This is a treasure of a find with its unique engraving and superb condition.  This gun is ready to go and needs nothing but ammunition and a place to go have fun breaking targets.  When you consider the cost of a full restoration exceeds $3500 and takes over a year to have done, there is something to be said about buying a gun that has already been restored to perfection.  Look at the photos and you will see the gun was in excellent shape before the restoration as the engraving is sharp, bold, and crisp and the wood-to-metal fit is superb.  Nice gun and priced to sell, so don’t miss out on this one.  See specifications below.  Thanks for looking!