The Ithaca Gun Company was one of America’s most fertile and successful gunmakers. From 1885 to 1936, they made 470,000+ double barrel shotguns, more than any other maker in America.
Of these, one of the hardest to find today is an original Ithaca NID Skeet gun, especially a 20 gauge. So if the gun you see here is one, it’s a very rare, and desirable, double.
The New Ithaca Double side-by-side (aka NID) — was introduced in 1926 and discontinued around 1948. The first Skeet models were offered in 1935. They came with a single triggers, ejectors, “SKEET” choking, a beavertail forend, and twin ivory beads. A vent rib and rubber recoil pad were optional.
This 20 gauge Ithaca does hase some of these standard features. The “cylinder” may be SKEET chokes. Even thought the straight-gripped stock looks skinny through the wrist, it may be original, too. The only way you’ll really know is to research the serial.
Unfortunately, this is going to be tough to do. As of today, this Ithaca was already sold and on its way to a new home. I wonder if its new owner knows what might have?
