Ithaca Pigeon Gun
 

It is being advertised as a No. 7 --

https://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...n_id=101902968

but the engraving on the frame looks like the 1915 and earlier No. 6 to my eyes.

Attachment 105975

The checkering pattern isn't quite like either Flues No. 6 or No. 7. The beavertail forearm has the shape of the early NID beavertails --

Attachment 105976

We can tell it is a very early Flues by the juncture of the top-tang with the frame --

Attachment 105982

By serial numbers in the 186xxx range the Flues frames were changed to have rebates --

Attachment 105983

where the top-tang joins.

Interesting gun. Wish the dealer gave us the serial number or better yet pictured the barrel flats and watertable.

Well, I do not see the barrel engraving, nor is the checkering as ornate on the gun in your picture compared to the one on GI.

I guess the question is, what exactly did you get by going from grade6 to 7?

The gun on GI does have the normally shown No. 7 engraving on the barrels. The checkering on the No. 7 normally included the patch of checkering above and below the stock cheek.

Attachment 105999

Attachment 106000

Attachment 106002

Even into the NID era.

Attachment 106001

Dave,

My first take is Grade 6, the engraving on the sides and those dogs, the dogs alone look very much like the 2 Grade 6 Flues that I've seen in the last couple years.

Now that pigeon, I know I've seen that one before, either I've seen this gun, (which I don't think), or I've seen another gun with this distinct pigeon on.

Maybe it is in Walt's book, I know I've seen this pigeon or similar before.

Stan

Quail on this one.

https://stevebarnettfineguns.com/ith...-extra-barrels

Dave,
You made note of the early Flues frames not having the rebated inletting. Those early ones are Minier frames with Flues lock work. The floor plate on these are bit different also.
John