Make: Ithaca Gun Co.

Model: Knick, Grade 4E

Serial Number: 404867

Year of Manufacture: 1961

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Single Shot, Top Break Shotgun with Ejector

Barrel Length: 32", Vent-Rib

Choke: Fixed Full

Sights / Optics: There is a red bead in a base at the front and a smaller white mid bead on top of the checkered vent-rib.

Weight: 8 lb., 15.4 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut with beavertail forend, rosewood capped pistol grip with white accents, monte carlo comb, and a ventilated black rubber Pachmayr White Line recoil pad. While the forend appears to be original to the gun, the buttstock is a replacement that has been nicely color-matched to the forend. The stocks have minor handling wear with a few light marks. The buttstock has a few places where the finish has filled in deeper grain-lines, making the surface slightly uneven. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13 3/4" to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and remains fairly supple. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition as partially not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The balance is mostly in handling wear on the bottom-front of the receiver and in the tangs. Some worn areas are starting to go to a faint patina. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action including ejector functions correctly. The barrel locks up to the receiver with no play. 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: ‘Knick’ shotguns were named after the designer, Frank Knickerbocker, who all but stunned the trap world with the solid construction and smooth pointing model. Some of the design team requested making permanent tools for large-scale manufacture of the Knick, but were overruled. Thus, as noted in the book "The Ithaca Gun Company" by Walter Snyder: "Assuming a gun was made for each serial number, 5,740 Knick model Single-Barrel Trap Guns were made to date, each one fitted, stocked, engraved, and finished by hand!". Not content with just being beautiful and handcrafted, the Knicks were fantastic trap guns. In 1938, Joe Heistead broke 1,404 consecutive targets using a No. 5-E Knick. This shotgun was made in 1961 and still looks quite nice. The gun retains 92% original finish, a great bore, and still locks up tight. This Grade 4E example is an essential part of any Ithaca collection, but would make a good addition to any firearm collection due to its hand crafted action. They, quite literally, don't make them like this anymore. Please see our photos and good luck!