Ithaca Flues Model 20 Gauge 24” Side By Side Double Shotgun 1910 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB251109DC059
Make: Ithaca
Model: Flues
Serial Number: 203518
Year of Manufacture: 1910 (ithacagun.com/serial-numbers/)
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4 Inch chamber
Action Type: Top-Break Side by Side with Extractor and Single Selective Trigger (inertial) with Auto Engaging Safety
Markings: The top of each barrel is marked “SMOKELESS POWDER STEEL”. The receiver is engraved with a hunting dog scene on both sides. The left side of the receiver is engraved, “ITHACA GUN CO., ITHACA N.Y.” The water table is marked “209516”. The left barrel flat is marked with “209516”. The forend hardware is marked “209516”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Choke: Fixed. Right IC / Left Full.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead sight. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 5 lb., 0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a splinter forend, rounded semi-pistol grip, straight comb and black hard rubber Ithaca Gun Co buttpad. The professionally-refinished stocks have a few tiny nicks and pressure dents. The LOP measures 13.25” and 12.5″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1.875″, drop at heel is 2.75″. The stocks rate a Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is some lead fouling in the choke area. The honed bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal refinish. There are moderate scratches and handling wear present and a little corrosion where the blueing was. The receiver has experienced a lot of fading. There a couple of repairable dents in the barrels. The action has little operational wear. The screw heads are moderately tooled but serviceable. The markings are slightly faded. Overall, this shotgun rates a Very Good.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play. 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: None
Our Assessment: This gun, the Ithaca Flues Model, was the best selling side by side in American shotgun history.
In 1907, with its other models not selling well, Ithaca purchased a patent for a simple, three piece boxlock from Michigan gunmaker Emil Flues. The Ithaca Flues model launched in 1908 (supplanting the Lewis model) and went on to sell a phenomenal 223,000 units between 1908 and 1926. It was made in 12,16, 20, and 28 gauge and was more affordable than competitors Parker and LC Smith.
This particular gun has been restored, with a tasteful refinish of the stocks. The action is tight.
This lightweight double would be a fine companion while pursuing grouse over a good dog, high up on the mountain.
Please see our photos. -C.B.
