(C) LOT OF 2: CABOT AND WEBSTER DESIGNED PRESIDENTIAL GRADE CONSECUTIVE PAIR ITHACA MODEL 37S WITH EISENHOWER PROVENANCE.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023

This fine consecutively serial numbered pair of Ithaca Model 37 "Featherlight" shotguns was designed by Walter H.B. Smith and Joel Gross of the firm Cabot and Webster in conjunction with the Ithaca Gun Company in 1956. According to a notarized letter accompanying guns, Sheldon Smith, then President of Ithaca Gun Company, had these guns engraved by an unidentified engraver with the initials S.W. on both guns. Upon completion, these guns were personally delivered to Cabot and Webster at the 1957 N.R.A. Convention in Washington D.C., which was being attended by several top General Motors Executives. The executives decided to seek approval to acquire these guns in order to present them to retiring President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Unfortunately, these guns never made it to Ike, as he passed away before the deal could be struck. According to the letter, these guns were pulled from the production line and serial numbered as a consecutive serial number 12 and 20 gauge pair. The 12 gauge gun is serial numbered "598600" and is fit with a blued 28" barrel with ventilated rib, Lyman Tru-Glo front sight, Improved Cylinder choke, and 2 - 3/4" chambers. The barrel is marked with Ithaca address, "CABOT AND WEBSTER / PRESIDENTIAL GRADE", and floral breech and muzzle engraving. Polished steel takedown receiver with full coverage floral engraving, gold border and gold eagle on right panel, gold border and gold buck and doe scene on left. Top of receiver is floral engraved with gold flying ducks. Bottom of receiver is floral engraved, with gold border and gold game bird on trigger guard bow. Gun is stocked in fine feather crotch American walnut with checkered pistol grip with floral carved border. Buttstock is fitted with red Ithaca "Sunburst" rubber recoil pad with aluminum spacer and black plastic grip cap. Matching large size checkered and floral carved slide handle. 20 gauge gun is serial numbered "598601" and is identical except for gauge, barrel length (26") and engraving scenes: right panel of this gun features a buck and doe, Left panel features a gold duck and ducklings scene, top has 2 flying gold birds, and trigger guard has a flying game bird. Comes with notarized letter of history. CONDITION: Both guns in 98% as-manufactured condition with light handling and operation marks. Mirror bores, possibly unfired since manufacture. True works of art!

Name

Value

Barrel Length

(A) 28" (B) 26"

Chamber

(BOTH) 2 -3/4"

Choke

(BOTH) Improved Cylinder

Drop at Comb

(BOTH) 1 - 1/2"

Drop at Heel

(BOTH) 2 - 1/2"