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Ithaca Field Grade SXS 12 gauge background

birdleg23
Can anyone give me some history on an Ithaca 12 gauge side by side double trigger Field Grade? It was my grandfathers and I am new on the gun scene. It looks old, but I can't seem to find any info on the net about it. I was told by a friend that it may not take current shells without having it machined. There aren't any other significant markings on the gun. Any info would be appreciated.
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15 comments

Date Votes
  • nord
    Not really enough to go on. This is the one case where a serial number will give us a model. In turn we'll be able to determine a date range.

    After all is said and done, though, we really need a detailed description of the gun. Draw us a picture with words.

    Nord
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  • birdleg23
    Will try and get ser.# tonight. Anyway to get a digital picture to you?? Thanks.
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  • nord
    See my profile and send away.

    Nord
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  • birdleg23
    Serial# 462728
    Desc: The gun has a single wide rib between the smooth sXs barrels. Thumb operated safety. Double trigger, no visible hammers. Wavey etching around the faces of the body just for decorative accent. The serial numbers are only visible when the gun is open. Single thumb operated lever opens the gun. The only visible writing on the gun is atop each barrel. "Ithaca Gun Co., Ithaca, N.Y." the other says "Field Grade". The butt of the gun has a black plastic rest mounted with two screws I will have digital pictures tomorrow. Thanks for any info.
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  • laxcoach
    Your SxS is what's known as a New Ithaca Double (NID), and, assuming that it is mechanically sound, can be fired with modern 2-3/4" shells. Your friend is confusing your gun with the earlier Flues or Lewis models of Ithacas.
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  • birdleg23
    Thanks. Any clue on it's age and/or it's reputation?

    "You got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." - Yogi Berra
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  • laxcoach
    I'm going strictly by memory---(Nord, help me out!),but your gun is an early NID--I think manufactured in '25 or '26. As to quality, it is one of the better made American doubles, but doesn't have the value of Parkers, Smiths, or A.H. Foxes. Your pics will help us to give you a ball park value.
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  • Bert H.
    Actually, with that serial number, it dates to circa 1936/1937.

    The NID is a good quality, solid shotgun, and your gun is perfectly safe to shoot with modern ammo that is of the correct length (2-3/4 inch in the case of your NID).

    I see where laxcoach and Nord intentionally forgot to include the premier American built SxS... the Winchester Model 21[^] in their comparison[}:)]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • laxcoach
    Birdleg, Bert's info as to age is probably correct--I don't have access to Ithaca's production dates. As an aside, Nord, have you heard the rumor that, if one looks closely at a Win 21, that one can find a crysanthemum stamped on it?
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  • nord
    The real truth is that the 21 is so poorly stamped as not to degrade the Winchester name beyond what we already expect. And in all reality the 21's are pretty good guns... for being made of pot metal[;)].

    As to the Ithaca... My references say mid 20's. I'm pretty comfortable with this date range given the description of the gun, but I'll await photos.

    No matter though... One of the true classics. A piece of americana, if you will. Too bad Bert is so unclear about a Winchester that can be easily confused as a Stevens. Mostly I look at the wood. Stevens uses a better grade of birch[:I].

    Bert's not all bad though. He's just confused. If I stamped a Elcee with the Winchester logo he'd grab onto it so fast that his beloved 21 would shed it's fake finish just from the friction of his passing.

    Oh... I await a rebuttal[8D].

    Nord
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  • laxcoach
    Nord, is it true that 21's are made from recycled Subarus?
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  • nord
    Lax -

    Absolutely untrue! They use the slag off the top of the pot before they pour the better stuff for the Subaru[:I].

    Nord
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  • Bert H.
    Once again, I see that it takes at least two of you limp-wristed, L.C. Smith doting, Winchester wananbees to tackle a REAL shotgun afficionado.

    Do you guys really know why the Stevens built SxS shotguns are not worth the same as your precious Elcees[?]... it is simply because nearly all of them are still in one piece, and in perfect shooting condition (i.e. plentiful). Conversely, the vast majority of those old L.C. Smiths have long since broken down, been shot loose, and have splintered stocks. As a result, most of them have been melted down to make beer cans (Billy Beer), the stocks used for kindling, and as a result are nearly as rare as hens teeth.[}:)][;)]

    Winchester on the other hand, did not make many Model 21s (approximately 33,000) simply because they are the pinnacle of mechanical perfection (indestrucatble), and will be with us forever[^]

    I would highly recommend that both of you trade in, hock, pawn, or peddle all of your Elcees to some unsuspecting rube as quickly as you can, and then use the proceeds to put a small downpayment on a Winchester Model 21... and yes, I do realize that you will have to come up a considerable sum of pocket scratch to make up the difference[:D]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • nord
    OK guys, we're having too much fun.

    Best to all.

    Nord
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by nord
    OK guys, we're having too much fun.

    Best to all.

    Nord


    OK... I see how you are now... as soon as it gets a little on the warm side, you wilt like a pansy[8D]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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