Original Item: Only One Available. This is definitely in fine condition for close to 140 of age! Here we have a very impressive 12 gauge shotgun by the Ithaca Gun Company, which still exist today! They produced a large number of different shotgun models over the years, and this example is marked NEW ITHACA GUN in banners on both sides of the "box lock" receiver. Designed in the late 1880s, this top break model was in production for decades, probably one of the last hammer shotguns to be in wide production.

It is marked on the "table", bottom of the barrel assembly, fore stock wood, and fore stock fitting with serial number 11708, indicating it was probably manufactured in late 1889. Serial numbers 8788 - 10534 were made from January to August 1889, however there is a gap in records until 1892, where the first serial number was 17235. At that rate of manufacture we feel late 1889 is the correct timeframe, and it is of course definitely a pre-1899 antique example. The gun is additionally marked on the table with the following patent dates:

PAT'D
MAY. 25. 1880.
JUNE. 1. 1880.
SEPT. 13. 1887.

This DOUBLE BARREL 12 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents wonderfully with a fantastic spiral forged "Damascus Steel" barrel assembly. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads. It features a lovely "pistol grip" rear stock and fore stock, both of which have some lovely checkering in the grip area. It is still marked on the matte rib between the barrels with the maker information:

ITHACA CUN CO. ITHACA N.Y.  LONDON TWIST

The barrel still retains much of the original finish, with the "Damascus" forging texture still clearly visible. Removing the fore stock allows the barrels to be removed from the receiver, however as this is a U.S. made shotgun, there are not the usual proofs one would see on a British or Belgian made example.

The gun is in very nice shape, and bores are clear, though they do show a bit of fouling and oxidation pitting, so this is a shotgun that saw a good amount of use during its life. It also may not have been properly cleaned at some point, allowing oxidation to develop. The standard top lever pushed to the side, opening the chambers for reloading, with a functional ejector. The stocks are in very good condition, still showing clear checkering, and no major cracks or other damage. The butt stock has a lovely color and is fitted with a lovely ITHACA GUN marked hard rubber butt pad. The fore stock is made from lovely curly walnut, and just looks great.

A lovely early example of a "New Ithaca Gun" side by side 12 gauge shotgun. Fully cleaned and ready to Display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1889
Caliber: about .729" 12 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches with about 2 1/2" long Chambers
Overall Length:  48 1/2 Inches
Action type: Box Lock with External Hammer
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.