serial #331111, 20 ga., 26'' barrels choked improved cylinder in both, with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain about 97% original blue, the loss due to even light fading and a bit of muzzle wear, also showing a sparsely scattered handling mark or speckle of oxidation here and there. The grade 4 engraved frame shows the typical open flowing foliate Ithaca scroll with pheasant right and waterfowl left amidst a typical backdrop, the belly with more open flowing foliate engraving. The frame itself retains perhaps 20% original color case-hardening, the balance a mottled smoky smooth case-hardened patina, more silvery at the carry point of the belly. The triggerguard still shows excellent original blue, fading a bit on the top lever. The checkered capped American walnut buttstock rates excellent as very lightly refinished many years ago, showing some stunning grain figure in the buttstock, and the remnants of some light handling marks beneath; there is a small flake behind the upper tang which was re-attached and two tiny cracks left and right which appear to have been successfully arrested. The beavertail style forend is similar showing a few more handling marks near the iron with its ebony tip insert is intact. The gold shield-shaped monogram plate along the toeline remains un-engraved and the length of pull to the Ithaca flying turkey hard rubber buttplate is 13'' from the single trigger, showing drops of 1 3/4'' and 2 7/8''. The slightest whisper of light can be seen between the breech faces and the standing breech but the top lever is still slightly right of center. Equipped with dual beads, non-automatic safety, ejectors and single trigger, which is unmarked but likely a Miller, the gun seems to function well mechanically. A very attractive Grade 4 with some nice features which appears as though it was ordered for the skeet field, but would be just at home in tight cover on live birds. (39768-26) {C&R} (2500/4000)
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