Ithaca Gun Co. Model Knick Grade 4-E 4E Trap, Briley Choked, Engraved Blue 32” — Single Shot Shotgun & 3 Chokes, MFD 1948 C&R

Sold For: $1,016.00
LSB#: 160413RM01

Please read the Stock configuration and condition. Described is the DAH, DAC, and LOP

Make: Ithaca Gun Co.

Model: Knick Grade 4-E Trap

Serial Number: 403199

Year of Manufacture: 1948 (http://www.ithacagun.com/pdfs/serialnumbers.pdf)

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Single Shot, Top Break Shotgun with Ejector

Markings: The flanks of the mono-forged barrel block has star burst patterns and line border engraving. The underside of the barrel is marked “BEST FLUID STEEL”. The underside flat of the barrel block is marked with an inspection mark, “X774 / 6 / 2 ¾ CHAMBER” and another inspection mark. The underside of the barrel lug catch is marked “403199 / 4”. The top of the forend bracket is marked “403199 / 4” with “X160391AZ” hand etched, the frame’s water table flats are marked “403199 / PAT’D / 4 / 12”, with “X160391AZ” hand etched; the inner, lower flat is marked “403199”. The left side of the frame has floriated elements and a man in a field, shouldering a firearm. The underside of the frame, underside of the trigger guard and right side of the frame have more floriated engraving and the right features a kneeling Native American drawing a bow, both flanks read “ITHACA GUN CO.” The lower tang is marked “403199”. The belly of the butt stock has a brass oval metal insert that reads “Trifon” in cursive engraving. The recoil pad is marked “TRADE / MARK / WHITE LINE / Pachmayr”. The chokes are marked “Briley / S-26 / LEAD ONLY”, the individual chokes are marked “MOD / IMOD / FULL”.

Barrel Length: 32” with tapered (0.440” at the breech, 0.301” at the muzzle) ventilated rib

Choke: Included are three Briley chokes that are Modified, Improved Modified and Full.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a green fiber optic front sight in a metal base that is fixed to the ventilated rib; the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction and has a small white mid-bead; the fiber optic sight is not original to the shotgun but its installation was done well.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece extra burled gloss finished walnut set; the grain and tone variation is spectacular, please see our pictures. The forend is a tapered beavertail design with an ebony insert; the stock has checkering on the underside and shows scattered light handling marks; portions of the gloss finish have been worn to matte from handling. The butt stock has Fleur De Lis pattern smooth portions that jut into the checkered flanks of the pistol grip; the grip has a polished bone cap, showing a few light marks. The butt stock has a few scattered light handling marks and a few spots of wear through the gloss finish; there is a notable ding on the left side of the wrist above the trigger. The belly of the butt stock has a brass oval metal insert that reads “Trifon” in cursive engraving. Drop at comb is 1 ½”, drop at heel is 2”; the stock is slightly cast on for left handed shooters. The LOP measures 14 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Pachmayr White Line ventilated shotgun-style rubber recoil pad; the pad is set with a white and black spacer, showing only a few light marks and holes made at the screw locations; the pad is not original to the shotgun but rates in about Fine Plus condition. The stocks rate in about Fine Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows general handling wear to bare metal on the underside and flanks of the frame, trigger guard and lower tang. The top of the frame and rib have scattered light marks, with a spot of etching on the rib just forward of the chamber area. The barrel shows some thinning at the muzzle and scattered light handling marks throughout. The inner portions of the frame and barrel block have spots of mid gray patina. The screw head slots have screwdriver tooling but are still highly serviceable. The barrel has been threaded for Briley chokes, which is not an original option for this shotgun; the job was done extremely well. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun has a crisp 3lb 14oz trigger and a very strong ejector, which LAUNCHED our snap caps across the room. The shotgun weighs 9lbs as photographed. The general balance, fit and finish are superb, with no movement in the barrel to frame fit. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with one each of the following Briley chokes: Improved Modified, Modified & Full; the chokes have light wear and are in Excellent condition. Also included is a choke wrench and Briley plastic hard case for the items, both in Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: ‘Knick’ shotguns were named after the designer, Frank Knickerbocker, who all but stunned the trap world with the solid construction and smooth pointing model. This shotgun was made in 1948 and has beautiful fancy high burl stocks, an engraved brass oval insert on the belly of the butt stock and retains about 80% of its metal finish; the balance of the finish was lost to honest handling and use, the shotgun was well taken care of and was obviously beloved by its user(s?). The metal has intricate engraving, the fit and finish is superb throughout. The shotgun’s 32” barrel has been threaded for Briley chokes, three of which are included (Imod, Mod & Full), with a choke wrench and Briley hard plastic case. The bore is bright with no erosion, the trigger pull is crisp at 3lbs 15oz and the ejector is very strong. The butt stock is slightly cast on for left handed shooters; the stocks have some wear through the gloss finish, with a few scattered light handling marks; there are no cracks or major damages. The front sight is a green fiber optic in a metal base that is fixed to the barrel; the installation was done well. In all, this is a revolutionary vintage trap shotgun with some modern additions, making it desirable to hobbyists; the overall condition and beauty of this shotgun will appeal to the collectors. Please see our pictures and good luck.