Old Ithaca SxS

4

44 AMP

Staff
I'm looking for some help identifying an old Ithaca SxS. From the information I can find, I don't know if its a "Flues" model, A "New Industry Double" or something else.

The gun is 12ga, double triggers, splinter forend, pistol grip (semi pistol grip??) stock. It has "fluid steel" barrels (not damascuse or twist), and was purchased new in 1909.

There is a bird dog (pointer??) engraved on the sides of the action.

The serial number is #190xxx

any information would be helpful.

Thanks!
 
4

44 AMP

Staff
thank you! The serial number tracks right with the year I know the gun was bought (by my grandfather, with the barrel length, chokes and stock made to his order).
 
L

ligonierbill

New member
The NID didn't come out until the industry pressure standard was raised in, I believe, 1926. You can easily find low pressure shells, though. I have a 1921 Flues that is a joy to shoot.
 
4

44 AMP

Staff
When "Papa's" gun was still in semi regular use, in the 70s, we used Rem Shur-Shot 3 1/4 dr.eq. for field use, or the lighter 3dr eq. now referred to as the "dove" load.

One of the things my Grandfather taught me about that gun was never to dry fire (snap) it. There was no need to do that, ever. The safety has a 3rd position which allows the gun to close uncocked if the triggers are held back while closing it.

Another thing he told me was that the springs were guaranteed never to take a set. After he had owned the gun 40 years, he got curious and wrote Ithaca, asking if the guarantee was still good. I have the letter he got back, (in 1949) and it says, yes, guarantee is still good. Also there was a note at the end saying that they didn't recommend use of the express shells, as they were not needed, being "akin to using a bulldozer to thread a needle".

You've got to love the way they talked back then!

No high pressure shells and NO STEEL will pass the barrels as long as I have any say in the matter (and my son, who will get the gun to hold for my grandson (born in mid April :D) knows what to do, and not to do with the Ithaca.) 109 years in my family, to date...
 
F

FITASC

New member
Get it checked to see about using modern ammo. Many times some had slightly shorter chambers, and using modern ammo just a tad longer can really add pressures that, while not blow up the gun, will certainly add to a lot of premature wear
 
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Staff
Thanks for the reminder, always good to mention those things for the benefit of the readers who may not know.

Papa's gun is chambered for 2 3/4" shells, not the 2 9/16" shells that were also in use in those days.

Papa had the gun made to order, for him. The barrels are 26", and choked FULL/FULL. And the stock has a bit more drop than standard, again, to his order.

It has extractors, not ejectors. He once told me that, had he known then what he knew now, he would have gotten ejectors, despite the increased cost (which I think was $2..)

Papa was a farmer, not a big bird hunter, but he did, sometimes, but primarily hunted rabbit, squirrel, and anything that went near the henhouse...

He told me (and everyone else) how he once killed a fox at 40 rod with that gun.

Of course, he also told me that the best thing about being so old (he passed at 96) was that anyone who could call you a liar had already died...:rolleyes::D
 
J

Jimbo-Indy

New member
I have one almost like yours, same year, same markings but mine has 28" barrels, both cylinder bore. Works well for skeet. I load light for it, about 2 1/2 dram.
 
V

vmaxster

New member
Ithaca double hammer

I think I might have the oldest double hammer 16 gauge Ithaca . Im not sure how I can verify this? Any help? Its certinaly cool. I just want to find out all I can. Its been in storage for more than 40 years.Great patina . Not molested in any way.. 1899 manufacturing date by serial.. 32" barrel (rare)fluid steel twist . The current Ithaca co. does not have old records. Im not sure who does.
 

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V

vmaxster

New member
Ithaca double hammer

Im trying to learn a bit more about my gun. Does anyone have access to Ithaca records? Or the Ithaca book that Walter Snyder wrote? The best I understand Ithaca did not produce a Grade A in 16 ga in 1899 .. Only 12 & 10..Issue is I have a 16 grade A made in 1899.. I am told it was a special order gun,,Its also a 32" barrel .. I have seen no other 32" on a double hammer of this era
 
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