Ithaca Knick Single Barrel Trap Gun No. 5E Grade SBT 12 GA Shotgun 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3925
LSB#: 211201KB05
Make: Ithaca Gun Co.
Model: Knick, Grade 5-E
Serial Number: 402889
Year of Manufacture: 1948 (https://ithacagun.com/serial-numbers/)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Single Shot, Top Break Shotgun with Ejector
Markings: The receiver has No. 5 Grade foliate scroll relief engraving throughout with fowl scenes on each side with the birds in molded gold. The water table is marked “402889”, “PAT’D” and “5 / 12” and the interior of the bottom plate visible between the water table lugs is also marked “402889”. The exterior of the bottom plate is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. / ITHACA GUN CO. / ITHACA, N.Y.” beneath an engraving of an eagle clutching a bundle of arrows. The interior of the forend bracket is marked “402889 / 5”. The bottom of the barrel between the forend lug and barrel flat is marked “BEST FL” and the barrel flats are marked “X590 3”, “2 3/4 CHAMBER” and with two Ithaca inspection marks. The barrel lug is marked “402889” and “5”. The engraving motif continues onto the lever, trigger guard, exposed portions of the forend iron and the side flats of the barrel at the chamber. The guard is marked “402889”.
Barrel Length: 30”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Fixed Improved Modified (approximately 0.025″ constriction)
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white front bead and a smaller white mid bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 8 lb., 8.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered and carved select walnut with beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and ventilated orange rubber Ithaca recoil pad. There is a triangular ebony inlay in the forend tip and a gold-colored initial plate in the belly (unmarked). The stocks have light handling wear with some stubborn build-up in the grip areas. There are a few scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some spots of thinning finish and on close inspection there is some crazing visible in the finish. The left-rear of the forend has an odd, patterned wear which looks like some sort of fabric was pressed on the wood or spent a long period of time against the wood. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb measures approximately 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 1 3/4”. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13 3/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad is still fairly supple and has a spot of wear on the left of the heel. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Gold
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at some edges. The balance is mostly in handling wear in the bottom-front of the receiver and the guard. The receiver otherwise retains generally strong case color and the barrel retains strong blue finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear and the engraving is sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action including ejector functions correctly. 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 a single cotton-mop snap-cap.
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 of this model. This shotgun was made in 1948 and still looks exquisite. Some of the design team requested making permanent tools for large-scale manufacture of the Knick, but were overruled. Thus, as noted in the book “The Ithaca Gun Company” by Walter Snyder: “Assuming a gun was made for each serial number, 5,740 Knick model Single-Barrel Trap Guns were made to date, each one fitted, stocked, engraved, and finished by hand!”. Not content with just being beautiful and handcrafted, the Knicks were fantastic trap guns. In 1938, Joe Heistead broke 1,404 consecutive targets using a No. 5-E Knick just like this one. This shotgun is an essential part of any Ithaca collection, but would make a good addition to any firearm collection due to its beautiful wood, engraving, and hand crafted action. They, quite literally, don’t make them like this anymore. Please see our photos and good luck!