Make: Ithaca

Model: Flues

Serial Number: 273170

Year of Manufacture: 1916 (The Ithaca Gun Company, from the beginning, by Walter Claude Snyder)

Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 1/2 inch chamber

Action Type: Top-Break Side by Side with ejectors and double triggers with auto engaging safety

Markings: The top of each barrel is marked "KRUPP FLUID STEEL”. The receiver is engraved with a hunting scene on both sides. The left side of the receiver is engraved, "ITHACA GUN CO." The water table is marked "273170”, though obscured with a pin. The left barrel flat is marked with "273170”. The forend hardware is marked "273170”.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: Fixed. Right Modified / Left Modified.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead sight at the muzzle and another at mid-barrel. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.

Weight: 5 lb., 13 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a splinter forend, capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb and black hard rubber Ithaca Gun Co buttplate. The stocks have nicks and pressure dents. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25” and 13.5" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1.5″, drop at heel is 2.5". The stocks rate a Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is just a bit of pitting in the left barrel. There is some lead fouling in the choke area. The bores rate 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal refinish. There are tiny scratches and handling wear present on both barrel and receiver. The receiver has experienced considerable fading of its case coloring, but its grade 4 engraving is still in great shape. The action has little operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates a Fine Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is very tight, modified by spring loaded barrel tensioners that have been drilled into the water table. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This gun, the Ithaca Flues Model, was the best selling side by side in American shotgun history.

In 1907, with its other models not selling well, Ithaca purchased a patent for a simple, three piece boxlock from Michigan gunmaker Emil Flues. The Ithaca Flues model launched in 1908 (supplanting the Lewis model) and went on to sell a phenomenal 223,000 units between 1908 and 1926. It was made in 12,16, 20, and 28 gauge and was more affordable than competitors Parker and LC Smith.

This particular gun still wears its original finish, though it has had barrel tensioners added to the water table. The action is tight. It comes with a letter from the Cody Firearms REcords Office attesting to its manufacture date and Grade 4.

This lightweight double would be a fine companion while pursuing grouse over a good dog, high up on the mountain. Chambered in 28 gauge, it would be a hard-to-find Flues and a great addition to an American side-by-side collection.