Enlighten me I have an Ithaca Gun Co 12 Gauge Shotgun. Serial Number 73XXX (all parts matching numbers), on the top of the barrels it reads 'Krupp Fluid Steel', undernieith reads 'Fluid Steel - Krupp Essen (?), Under the BBLS on the receiver is 2 over 12 (frame size and gauge)? And it is engraved quite nicely.
The BBLS are but 18 3/16' in length and has a brass front bead sight. From what I have gathered, it was made in 1901 but I can not find a reference to this shotgun in a 'short barrel' in my search. The BBL'S seem 'factroy' as the front of them are lead filled as they should be. Is this a cut-down version which was done after it left the factory or could it be similar to a Wells-Fargo or Guard Shotgun???
It's a mean looking Home Defense Weapon!!! Also, I am wondering if it is a 2 1/2' or maybe a 2 9/16' chamber instead of a 2 3/4' chamber. Thanks In Advance. Rebel, With that serial number, I suspect your Ithaca double could be a Crass model or the later Lewis model. The Lewis model has some better features, ie, coil springs, etc. Does the serial number on the barrel have the same number as on the receiver? You say all #'s match so I guess they do.
![]() ![]() Ithaca Crass Double Barrel Shotgun
Reason I say this is most of the Ithaca doubles made around 1901 had damascus or twist stell barrels. The number '2' over the '12' indicate the gun is a number 2 grade in 12 gauge.
The number 1 grade was the lowest grade they made at that time. A Krupp Steel barrel could be correct because Ithaca and other US makers started using Krupp Steel barrels around that time. 18 inch barrels are the minimum legal length for shotgun barrels. Any shorter and the BATFE might not like it. Also, the minimum overall legal size for a shotgun is 28' I believe. Your gun probably has 2 5/8' chambers.
If the barrels and the rest of the gun is sound, shoot only light field loads, and carefullly. I suspect someone in the past cut the barrels back to 18 3/16'. If owned by Wells Fargo & Co., the gun would probably be marked but often someone else will mark guns 'WF & CO' and try to pass them off as original. Proceed with caution if you find any marked this way. Hopefully, someone else may offer some thoughts. Hope this helps.
Jolly Bill, Thanks for the information Sir. Indeed it is (did some more reading) a 'Crass' Model and from the SN does appear in the 1901 range of serial numbers.
The BBLS, Receiver, Wood Hand Guard & Hand Guard Metal All Are The Same Serial Number. The 18 1/2' Double Barrels and the overall length of 35' are of acceptable size. (Got My Good Tape Measure Out). The finish on the Shotgun is 'Bright' with no pitting and I reckon whoever did the 'Alterations' to the BBLS was 'Professional' as it appears in Excellent Condition. Beings the chamber is probably 2 5/8' would it be OK to use 2 1/2' shells??? I did find a company, 'RST' in Friendsville, Pennsylvania that sells 2 1/2' 12 Gauge 'Light' Shells especially for the older 'Single & Doubles' in several different shot sizes.
The 12 Gauge shells run right at $100.00 per case of 250. Would that be appropriately shot in this 'Old Winchester 1897?' I am going to have it checked out by a professional Gun Smith in the near future, as I would like to touch a few rounds off in the Mountains before Labor Day. If I can get a few good pictures of the Ithaca I'll post them on here if you'd like to see them. Again, Thanks 'Jolly Bill' For The Information Sir!.
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I Have A Ithaca Model 37 12 Gauge 2 3/4 ' Chamber With A 30' Barrel And Deluxe Poly Choke Serial # 156090. I Have A Ithaca Model 37 20 Gauge Deluxe 2 3/4' Chamber With A Ventilated Rib And A 26' Barrel And A Deluxe Poly Choke Serial # 985503.
I Have A Ithaca Model 66 410 Gauge 3' Chamber With A 26' Barrel And A Full Choke Made In The Barrel. Can Someone Please Tell Me The Years These 3 Shotguns Were Made, And Is It Safe To Shoot Modern Day Shotgun Shells High Brass Lead Magnum Loads Out Of These Shotguns.
These Shotguns Were Left To Me, All Are In Mint Condition, Looks Like They Were Not Used Very Much At All. Thanks In Advance To Any One Who Can Answer These Questions.
Serial Number Year of Manufacture 425000 - 4 425300 - 4 439200 - 4 451100 - 4 454600 - 4 457300 - 4 458400 - 4 459140 - 4 459163 - 4 459196 - 4 459638 - 4 459650 - 4 460800 - 4 462900 - 4 464700 - 4 464828 - 4 464851 - 4 464900 - 4 (specials) 465200 - 4 466000 - 4 467100 - 4 467147 - 4 467200 - 4 468100 - 4 468700 - 4 468795 - 4 468800 - 4 469950 - 4 470000 - 4. Serial Number Year of Manufacture 100000 - 1 101600 - 1 119900 - 1 158700 - 1 185400 - 2 214400 - 2 233100 - 2 252700 - 2 273300 - 2 297200 - 2 298700 - 2 298750 - 2 299250 - 2 325000 - 3 327300 - 3 336400 - 3 345100 - 3 345900 - 3 347100 - 3 352100 - 3 355000 - 3 356300 - 3 357300 - 3. Serial Number Year of Manufacture 509700 - 5 574001 - 6 602001 - 6 652001 - 7 704001 - 7 727001 - 7 759001 - 7 704001 - 7 797001 - 8 820001 - 8. 867001 - 8 891001 - 9 927001 - 9 966001 - 9 999501 - 10 1042001 - 3710 371091501 - 3711 371150501 - 3712 371211501 - 3712 371275001 - 3713 381000001 - 381030000. 1901 - 3715 371517501 - 3715 371596001 - 3716 371626001 - 3716 371648001 - 3716 371678001 - 371709000.
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