Ithaca Damascus Hammer Double
 

A friend of mine who owns a local gun shop asked me today if I was interested in buying an Ithaca 12 ga Hammer double. I looked at the gun. Hammers match and function. gun is tight to the face. interior barrels are bright with no pitting etc. 28 inch bbls choked full and mod. Firing pins are ok. no cracks in wood but it is quite dark and might need some de-oiling. Gun appears to be field grade with the standard setter or pointer engraved on the sides of the frame. What stuck me as interesting (unusual ?). was that the chambers are bored to 3 inches. I didn't have a tape to measure the barrels but my guess is that they're about 28 inches. nice Damascus pattern on bbls but will need good cleaning to bring out/restore the true pattern. no dents etc. anyone have any experience with an Ithaca Hammer gun like this? The 3 inch chambers really through me for a loop. Gun is selling for real short money and I might just pick it up for another project. No pics at this time but will take and post if I buy it.

them old ithacas are good guns..i dont know anything about the 3 inch chambers but would be a plus in my book..if its going for short money it would be mine.what can one more good shotgun hurt...charlie

We need to see some pictures and have the serial number to know which version Ithaca hammer double it is? The original Ithaca was the Baker Model up to serial number 6549, in 1887. The Baker Model was replaced by the New Ithaca Gun in 1887 beginning with serial number 6550. The NIG was Ithaca's hammer gun, produced and serial numbered concurrantly with the Crass, Lewis, Minier and early Flues Model hammerless doubles up to about 1914. A 1910 vintage NIG --

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...acaNIGLeft.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...acaNIGGrip.jpg

The NIG was replaced by the Two-Bolt Model hammer gun for 1915, which was pretty much a hammer version of the Flues Model hammerless gun. It disappeared from the Ithaca Gun Co. offerings during WW-I.

Ithaca Gun Co. like all of our manufacturers would chamber for longer shells upon request of the purchaser. In the years Ithaca Gun Co. hammer doubles were being produced, our North American ammunition manufacturers offered paper 12-gauge shells in 2 5/8, 2 3/4, 2 7/8, 3 and 3 1/4 inch lengths. As I've stated many times befor, these long shells didn't come with heavier charges or payloads than could be had in the 2 3/4 inch shell, but more and better wadding which many serious shooters considered an advantage.

Two things to do before you commit to the gun......

1. Check wall thickness at the beginning of the forcing cone/end of chamber.

2. Contact Walt Snyder for information on that particular serial number re: 3" chambers.

Dave;
Are the case colors on your 1910 NIG original? Nice gun.

I'll get over to the shop or call them for the serial number and post. The pistol grip on this hammer gun has a flat black cap that reads Ithaca Gun Co. on the cap. The hammers resemble those in the pictures above. Grain in stock is plain and no extra engraving except for the pointing dog on both sides of the frame. Didn't see any colors on the frame or water table remaining. were these guns blued or case colored?

Allen

The setters tell me that you are looking at a Flues style frame, New Ithaca Gun.
The tumblers are the weak point in the design. Check the hammers for side play.Excessive play will indicate worn tumblers. I have a pretty good inventory of parts but no new tumblers.
Ithaca used the best quality Damascus and did chamber them in 3". If the barrels, hammers and stocks are sound, it could be a good buy at the right price.
Iam currently restoring a C Grade N.I.G Neat old guns.

Brad

Thanks Brad. The hammers are tight as a drum with no side play. The inside of the barrels are mirror finish (surprisingly). I ran a cleaning snake thru both barrels and they came our bright (surprised me for an old gun). I was thinking it might be a flues model. the owner is asking $150 and I offered him $100. we'll see. If I get it Brad, you might just get another double from me to restore! It's totally tight to the face with or without the forearm on.

Allen
The barrels alone are worth twice that. I hope you get it.

Brad

Just spoke with the gun shop and believe the seller and I have reached agreement on $125. Will post pics shortly. Brad and John, the serial number is 242615. on the water table it is marked: AA 12. BBls are 32 inches. no side play in hammers