Ithaca Crass Grade III from 1897

[Bruce P Bruner]

The Ithaca was sourced from a popular online auction. It was misrepresented as a Lewis with 28” barrels. I knew it was a Crass and fortunately the barrels are 30”. The opening bid was $1K with a buy it now of $3K. No one else bid so it was secured for the opening price. I was the only sucker in the crowd. I doubt it was a steal but I’ve been seeking an antique double with chain Damascus for quite some time. I had held a chain Damascus grade II Syracuse LC Smith but the horrid lateral crease in one of the barrels was a deal killer, that and it was priced a few hundred more than the Ithaca.
When shooting the Ithaca and the Parker VH the Parker is a better fit, though the LOP difference is 3/4”, the Ithaca at 14” and the VH at 14-3/4”. The big difference is the drop at the heal, Ithaca is 2-7/8”, VH is 3-1/2”, though the Parker has a factory Monte Carlo stock that fits me like a glove. Luckily I’m flexible an have good success with various stock configurations.
Notice the deep remaining case color by the trigger guard, I’m sure it was a very impressive gun before the colors disappeared.
Dusted clay in last photo.