Old Ithaca side by side...any value?

[NoSecondBest]

I recently came into possession of an older Ithaca shotgun. It's a side by side 12 guage with no serial numbers. It says on top "Smokeless powder steel" and "Made in the USA". It has a flying goose embossed into the stock. It's in fair condition for its age. Does this gun have any value? Can anyone tell me anything about it? My 85 year old father gave it to me and it was his fathers gun. I don't have any children and I'm not sure what to do with it.

[44 AMP]

take off the forend, and remover the barrels. It should be on the action flats, the barrels, and maybe both the forearm wood and metal. My 1909 Ithaca is like that.

Never seen one with a goose (or any animal) on the stock. Probably done by a previous owner.

Early Ithaca barrels were "Damascus" (also known as stub twist), and fit for black powder only. Later (early 1900s) they went to "fluid steel" which was suitable for smokeless powder. There is an improved later version of the barrel steel but I can't remember the name right now.

Does the gun have double triggers? (most likely), does it have ejectors, or jut extractors? How many positions on the safety? Splinter or beavertail forearm?

Old Ithacas (standard grades) don't bring the buck like Parkers or some other doubles, but they are fine shotguns. If its in real fine shape, $400-500 maybe. If worn, not nearly as much.
Ejectors were an option (cost extra), but will add to the value of the gun, somewhat.

See if a dime will balance in the muzzle. If it does, that barrel is full choke.

If in sound condition, use only low brass (high base) shells. Use ONLY LEAD SHOT!!!!!!!!!!! This is important. The guns made before the 1950s when plastic shot cups became standard in ammo, are choked much tighter than newer guns. There is more constriction in the choke, and steel shot can bulge or even split the barrels of the old guns. It just doesn't compress the way lead shot does, when it goes through the choke.

If you are shooting it, I would recommend 3 or 3 1/4 dram equivalent loads. The "express" 3 3/4 dr eq. shells will be hard on the gun, and may crack the reciever, over time.

I have a 1949 letter (sent to my grandfather) reaffirming the guarantee on the springs, which also states not to use the express shells.

[oneounceload]

I don't have any children and I'm not sure what to do with it.

How about nephew or nieces? I'd hate to see something that has been in my family that long go away - that's not something you can get back down the road.

As to the gun, do yourself a favor and have a competent gunsmith (read that as someone who knows what he's doing around old guns) give it once over. If in good condition, RST, Polywad, among others, sell low-pressure "vintager" ammunition. Have your gunsmith verify the chamber length. Many older guns came with 2-1/2" chambers. While your smith is checking it out, have him measure the bore and determine what the chokes are. Odds are, if a field gun, M&F, if a waterfowl gun, F&F, but check to make sure.

Enjoy that piece of family history

[NoSecondBest]

I took the forearm off and it's got serial numbers stamped all over. The wood forearm is stamped, the barrels are stamped, and the frame is stamped all with 334689 and an S12 on the frame. The barrels have proof marks on them also. It's a splinter forearm. It does have double triggers also. My regret is that I'm in my sixties and don't have any heirs to leave it to. I remember my grandfather shooting turkeys with this gun back in the 60's when I started hunting. He was a turkey hunting fool. He got a lot of birds with this gun. I took this gun out last year and called in a gobbler with his old Lynch call and shot the bird with some old shells I got with the gun. I felt like the old guy was there with me that morning. That was pretty cool but I don't think I'll be getting out much more myself (health problems). I'm just getting to where I'm starting to think about what to do with some of my things. Thanks for the feedback.

[TxGun]

If you can determine the model, this may help you date it:

http://www.diamondgunsmithing.com/page46/page46.html

[NoSecondBest]

It's a Flues double made in 1920. He was using 2 3/4inch shells with it so I guess (hoping) that's the chamber size. Thanks for all the help. I'm guessing the S12 stamped on the inside of the frame indicates the grade of the gun. It doesn't have any scrolling on it except a dog on each side of the receiver. I checked the choke too and as indicated above, a dime will only fit into one barrel. Full and Modified?

[oneounceload]

A smith will have the tool that can measure your bore and chokes - he might not even charge you for a quick check. I do not remember if the Flues were 2-3/4 or not - remember, the shell length is the FIRED hull length - therefore a 2-3/4 unfired will fit in a 2-1/2" chamber; however that is a bad thing waiting to happen

[NoSecondBest]

I'll take it to a good smith and have it checked over. I'd like to know the chokes, chamber, and if it's safe to shoot with modern (low power) loads. Good info and help guys, I appreciate it. Thanks

[darkgael]

Fwiw: I have two Ithaca Flues that are both a few years older than that gun. Fluid Steel barrels. Both are 2 3/4" chambers. Still have yours checked/
Pete