Ithaca SKB Model 680 English Stock 26″ MOD/IC 20 GA O/U Over Under Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 220117LJ065
Make: Ithaca by SKB
Model: 680
Serial Number: S6607943
Year of Manufacture: 1973-1975 (years this model was cataloged)
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Over Under with Selective Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger (inertially set)
Markings: The right of the top barrel is marked “CUSTOM CRAFTED FOR ITHACA BY SKB”. The left of the top barrel is marked “MODEL 680 – 20 GA- 3 CHAMBER-PROOF TESTED / ITHACA GUN CO., INC., ITHACA N.Y. MADE IN JAPAN-ROTO FORGED.” The receiver is scroll and border engraved. The bottom of the receiver is marked “S6607943”. The bottom of the monoblock is marked “68062 / S6607943”, the right is marked “MOD / IMP”. The forend iron is marked “S6607943”.
Barrel Length: 26″, Vent-Rib
Choke: The barrels are fixed choked Modified over Improved Cylinder as marked.
Sights / Optics: There is a pink bead a the front of the rib and a small silver-colored mid-bead. The rib is checkered to reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lb., 4.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with straight wrist, straight comb, checkered black plastic Ithaca buttplate and an inlaid initial plate in the belly (not marked). The forend has one notable compression on the left above the checkering and a cluster on the bottom-front. The buttstock has long, but thin cracks on each side at the front edges toward the top and some scattered light nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has sharp checkering with no notable wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Silver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The barrels have strong finish with only light handling marks and some wear from the forend which is concealed when assembled. The balance is mostly in the receiver which has handling wear through the finish in the tangs, the trigger guard and on the controls. There is some other scattered light wear and some areas which have discolored. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The lockup is tight. The safety does not return to Safe when the action is opened, but does function correctly when engaged manually. 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: Browning is not the only company to have found that Japan has some high quality firearms manufacturers. In the late ’60s and ’70s, Ithaca also contracted to have side-by-side and over-under shotguns made for them, choosing SKB rather than Miroku. The result is a fine-quality double gun with graceful lines, a nice balance and of course, strong mechanics. The Ithaca SKB model 680 is prized by hunters and sportsmen for its craftsmanship, durability, and has a straight grip, making it both less common and attractive to those who prefer an English stock. This one appears to have seen responsible use. In Very Good-plus condition it shows wear in the receiver’s silver finish and some in the stocks, but retains great bores and strong mechanics, indicating proper maintenance. It should prove to serve its new owner as well as it seems to have served its previous owners. Please see our photos and good luck!