Ithica / Parker Identification

[Harry Gietler]

Originally Posted by Arthur Shaffer

I know how much everyone here loves the SBT's, but this is one area I don't ever think was doubted. For over half a century, the Ithaca single barrel was held in legendary status, and every trapshooter I came in touch with from the time I was a kid to the mid seventies wanted one or had one. The racks at trap shoots were full of them. Sadly it is really hard to find one in collecters condition. Every one needs one to have a representative example of significant American shotguns.

I have put together a set of most of the much used SBTs and the three most impressive guns from any distance are standouts above the others.

This is the reason a lot of Ithaca's are lower in price. Most of them are
''Hacked Up'' in one way or another. Fine one that is in excellent, on touched condition, and you will see a high price tag on it. Look at Gun's International,
25 Ithaca SBT. on there. There are 3 good Flues model and 2 good N.I.D.'S.
The rest of them are hacked up. the good ones are priced up their were they should be.

Harry

[JeremyBall]

Originally Posted by David Livesay

Nice Ithaca SBT. Welcome to the forums. Can you elaborate on any of the Parker shotguns that were in the collection?

Sure thing. I just received letters on both of them. One is serial number 237005 manufactured in 1935. Its a VHE Hammerless in 28ga / Vulcan at 28". I believe this gun is in original condition.

The second is Serial number 234044 from 1930. Its a 12ga w/ single trigger, 32", and also a VHE. I'm about 99% sure that this gun has been refinished and has new furniture. Although I'm unable to prove it at the moment (Work in progress) I think its highly likely that the work was done by Al Biesen of Spokane, WA. I have a lot of reasons to believe this is the case. Within this collection there are multiple other guns that were done by Al & his son of which I have documentation.

This collection was owned by one of the most successful mining families of the last 150 years in the pacific northwest. I'm down a rabbit hole like you can't even imagine.

I'll get some pictures taken to share these with you all. I greatly appreciate the assistance I've received from this group.

[JeremyBall]

Here are the pictures of the 12GA

[JeremyBall]

Here are pictures of the 28ga:

[B. Dudley]

The 28g looks like an honest gun with condition. The 12g is a mess.

[Dean Romig]

The 12 gauge has been incorrectly refinished while the 28 gauge appears to be an all original gun with not much wear. This gun is how we like to see them.





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[John Davis]

Originally Posted by JeremyBall

This collection was owned by one of the most successful mining families of the last 150 years in the pacific northwest. I'm down a rabbit hole like you can't even imagine.

I've been down some pretty deep rabbit holes. And I’ve got a book to prove it.

[JeremyBall]

Is the 12GA just a "mess" because its not up to your standards or done in an non-traditional way? Really just curious.

[B. Dudley]

Incorrectly finished metal and poorly restocked by way of proper form. Both guns are the same grade. So it is clear to see what one should look like (the 28) and what one should not look like (the 12)