In the end I’m ending my hunt with a: Ithaca NID 3E 10 Mag, Parker DHE 12, LC Smith 12 Field, Baker Paragon 12, Winchester 21 12, Remington FE Trap 12, Lefever EE 16, Fox Sterlingworth 16, and Stevens/Savage/Simmons “Quails Fargo” 20. This works for me for now. I’m still idly looking for a: Meriden, Tobin, Skeet-Er, and Hatfield. I look for Colt’s too, even though they barely qualify for 20th century.

Can anyone suggest any more additions to my want list and comment with your ideas as to the relative merits of each make of gun?

Jeff,
I assume you’re 3E Ithaca 10 Mag is a 3 1/2” gun?

Have 1 myself, 3E’s are probably a little more scarce.

Stan Hoover

If you can find good examples (well cared for regardless of grade) for Meriden and Tobin, both makers produced some very nice guns. I have a nice Meriden 16 and it's engraving looks like it was done by one of the Parker engravers. Its barrels are really nice Damascus.

I have two Meriden guns. A16 ga 30" barrels and a 12 ga. 32" barrels. They are the "Plain Jane" guns but are quite nicely put together and shoot quit well. I have always wanted an engraved Meriden but they seem to be about like hens teeth for me.

I would like to get a Mullin at some point.

Remarked this morning to our "Geezer Squad" who shoots every Friday morning at our local Izaak Walton League range about passing on a 5 E Ithaca 20 gauge at the "Old Baltimore Show" when it was still held at the old National Guard Armory in downtown Baltimore. Shown for sale on a young couple's "yard sale" collection (Winchester roller skates, vintage Barlow pocket knives, German helmets, etc.). Only SxS on the table along with some knackered out single barrel American made guns; couldn't swallow the $2500 asking price!!

It is a 3 1/2”, but I miss-stated the grade, it’s a 2 ejector. Kind of swings like a battleship.

I agree, the engraving on this Meriden sure looks similar to Parker engraving, with the stylized ducks and a walking turtle. A Tobin listing had ducks really close to Parker ducks a few months ago, also.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...101351071#md-5

The first Meriden sidelock
 

This is serial no. 1000. It is the lowest serial number found and seems to be the first Meriden Sidelock.

https://i.imgur.com/lBjhKZQ.jpg

A beautiful gun!





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