GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
ONE OF A KIND ITHACA NID GRADE 4-E 16 GAUGE WITH ORIGINAL ELEPHANT AND WILDEBEEST ENGRAVING.ITHACASXS GRADE 4E43372016GAMODERN; IVORYCal. 16 ga. 2-9/16" Chambers. Factory 25" Bbls with matted, concave rib, are unengraved and unmarked as to makers name. Engine turned bbl flats are stamped with SN and grade. Typical case hardened action with pin type cocking indicators which protrude through top, features Miller type sgl selective trigger with selector incorporated with safety. Action is engraved in typical "4" style with 70% coverage large, shaded acanthus, and geometric "checkering" on fences. This engraving surrounds very unusual vignettes of African game on sides under "Ithaca Gun Co". Left side depicts a face-on elephant, trunk down, in savannah with tree in background. Right side depicts what must be a wildebeest, or Guar, or could also be a stylized cape buffalo, also in open savannah. This unique engraving is undoubtedly factory original, and correspondence with Walt Snyder, Ithaca Gun Co historian, states "I am pleased to say that I found a pull of the elephant and a rubbing of the water buffalo among Bill McGraw''s collection of his engraving "pulls"." SN is at grip. Finely feather crotch figured American walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4" over old Jostam pad with exposed foam center. Stock features no "4" grade style checkering with fleur-di-lis intrusions and ribbons through pattern, as well as a vacant gold shield on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has inset ebony tip, and typical Deeley type release. Bore diameter: left -.664, right -.664. Bore restrictions: left -.020 (mod), right -.004 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.029. Drop at heel: 2-7/8", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 6 lbs 10 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". PROVENANCE: Letter from Walt Snyder regarding the unusual engraving on this gun with some rubbings of this exact engraving, one of which has notation "Rufous Takim", most likely client for whom this gun was made, along with a notation "I think you have a uniquely engraved gun in the truest sense of the word!" CONDITION: Excellent, original, as found. Bbls retain 80 - 85% orig blue, thinning overall from normal hand wear, with a number of light marks and scratches. Action retains approx 70% orig case hardening color, thinned and silvered on bottom, fences, and top lever. Color is strong and vivid on sides. Trigger guard is silvered on edges of bow. Forend iron and latch retain over 90% of their blue. Stocks retain approx 90% of their orig finish, thinned somewhat on high points, worn through at bottom of forend from normal hand wear, and some loss and added oil around rear of butt from installation of pad. Checkering is somewhat worn and slightly dirty. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong. Trigger works. A really neat "off the wall" Ithaca. "Certifiable pre-ban ivory" bead sight. 49365-1 MGM395 (5,000-8,000)