Page 310 - 4093-BOOK3

LOT 3477
Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Ithaca Classic Doubles 28 Gauge Superlative Grade Double Barrel Shotgun with Case -
Serial no. 470223, 28 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Only some 500 total of these guns
in all grades were built. Assembled and finished in the United States using Italian made parts by a litany of the most skilled men in
their crafts, including stock makers Ron Buck and Nick Tooth, barrel specialist Steve Lentz, and Ferlach trained manufacturing director
Gunter Pfrommer. The engraving was carried out on the standard grade guns by the famous father-son engraving duo John and John
Adams as well as John Pease, with the high grade guns, such as this one, performed by Creative Art Studios of Brescia, Italy. Blued
steel barrels with a single white bead sight on the matted concave solid rib which is marked with a gold “2”, 2 inch flourishes of scroll
at either breech, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The casehardened boxlock action displays beautifully cut floral
scroll engraving over a matted background with flourishes of gold inlaid flowers scattered throughout, gold inlaid factory markings on
the underside, and three highly detailed gold inlaid game scenes. The scenes depict a woodcock in flight in the trees on the left side, a
grouse in flight in a wooded scene the underside, and a quail in flight over a field on the right side. The scroll engraving continues onto the
toplever, triggerguard, and both tangs, the lower of which shows the hand cut gold inlaid serial number. The gun features double gold plated
triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid script “S” safety marking. Outstanding, highly figured, fancy panel checkered semi-
beavertail forend with matching engraved fittings and ebony tip inlay along with the straight grip stock with checkered flats and a checkered factory
buttplate. This gun is consecutively serial numbered to the following lot. Includes an oak and leather takedown case with a canvas cover, nickel snap
caps, and nickel oiler. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .552/.552 inches; choke constriction .045/.038
inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 11/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 3 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with minor handling marks and sharp checkering on the
stock and forend. The case is also excellent. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 19,000 - 27,500
308