Ithaca N.I.D. Model Grade 4E 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun 1926 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
WOA#: WY240530TP050
Make: Ithaca Gun Company
Model: N.I.D., Grade 4E
Serial Number: 427000
Year of Manufacture: 1926 (Ithaca Gun Company Serial Numbers)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Top Break, Hammerless Single Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors and Cocking Indicators
Markings: The left side of the reciever is marked “ITHACA GUN Co.”. The right side of the receiver is marked “ITHACA N.Y.”. The right side of the water table is marked “427000” and “4 / 12”. The left barrel flat is marked “427000”, “4”. The receiver has grade 4 engraving/scrollwork with a Snipe on the bottom, duck on the left, and pheasant on the right.
Barrel Length: 32?
Choke: Both chokes are FULL, FIXED.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead (twin ivory beads). The top of the rib is serrated and checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered select walnut with ebony capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb, ventilated Pachmayr buttpad, and wide beavertail forend with ebony tip. The LOP measures 13 ¾ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttpad. The cast is about neutral. The drop at heel is 1 ½” and the drop at comb is 1 ½”. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent overall condition. The checking is crisp and attractive. There is a notable compression on the front left of the forend and on the rear right. There are a few compressions on the right side of the buttstock near the comb. Other than that there are no notable imperfections. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: Blued Barrel Assembly and Case-Color Receiver. Jeweled Barrel Flats.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright. There is some fouling in the muzzles. The chambers are clean and free of any rust or corrosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges, notably at the muzzles. The barrels have generally strong finish with some light wear along each side over the forend, infrequent minor surface oxidation and a few other light nicks and scratches. The exposed portions of the receiver have mostly muted and show some scattered minor oxidation, with strongest color under the lever and on the trigger plate inside the guard. There is also some color around the fences. The guard has some light surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: Both ejectors are strong. The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play to the frame. The safety has three positions. The front position is fire, but engages automatically when the lever is pushed. The middle position is safe. The rear position is fire and will not engage automatically when the action is opened. 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: The making of quality double barrel shotgun in America involves a number of companies which were interconnected and Ithaca is no exception. William Baker, Leroy Smith and Lyman Cornelius Smith would start a company to produce guns of Baker’s design in 1879. In January of 1883, Baker would purchase a lot on the bank of Fall Creek in Ithaca, New York from which a water wheel could power a factory, the factory which would become the Ithaca Gun Company. Lyman Smith would go on to form his own company, L.C. Smith. Just four years later, Baker would leave Ithaca and go on to join his brother to form their own gun making company, though he would die only two years later. Ithaca would go on to be one of America’s greatest double gun makers as well as developing their famed Model 37 pump shotgun and producing 1911A1 pistols for the United States during WWII.
This NID, the successor to the Flues Model, was produced in 1926 and is a scarce Grade 4E with an elusive Snipe on the bottom of the receiver. This is not just a great example of a scarce Ithaca NID Grade 4, it’s not just a beauty with fine engraving and gorgeous grain in its stock, it’s also a fine American field gun that could still be dropping birds for another century. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
