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Stunning Ithaca Classic Doubles Experimental Sousa Grade Smallbore Boxlock Double Ejectorgun

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:11,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Stunning Ithaca Classic Doubles Experimental Sousa Grade Smallbore Boxlock Double Ejectorgun
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
serial #44786, 410 bore (3''), 26'' barrels choked improved modified and full with bright excellent bores. Ithaca Custom Guns reportedly marketed the Sousa Grade guns circa 2000 and ended up only producing a handful of them in various configurations, this beautiful example is evidently a preproduction sample piece with the lower tang neatly engraved ''EXP''. The embellishments on this fine Italian-made double were executed by the Italian engraving studio Creative Art and the action is signed by them to the right of the forward trigger. The arm replicates the original and extremely rare Ithaca Gun Co. Sousa Grade, their highest offering, with the action embellished in full coverage with excellent quality tight filigree scrollwork, extending onto the barrel breeches and forend hardware. The action is further enhanced by fabulous gold inlays of game dogs on the sides, duck on bottom and the distinctive mermaid on the triggerguard. The upper tang also shows ''S'' safety marking accented in gold and the triggers are gold-washed as well. The maker markings and Bloomfield, NY address are neatly engraved along the bottom metal and the gun is not yet marked with a Sousa designation but the configuration speaks for itself, later guns usually had ''Sousa'' engraved on the inside of the forend hardware. The barrels retain about 96-97% original blue with most of the loss due to a very thin 1 1/2'' area of light scuffs on the right barrel behind the muzzle. The solid rib shows fine matting and the action retains about 99% lovely vibrant case-hardened colors. The triggerguard and safety retain about 99% bright blue showing a little bit of light freckling along the inside of the guard that is unobtrusive. The checkered deluxe walnut buttstock and semi-beavertail forend remain in excellent condition showing just a few sparsely scattered tiny dings and light handling marks. Stock fit is excellent and the lovely scalloped-edge checkered panels remain crisp, the wood exhibiting lovely grain figure throughout. Length-of-pull to the grooved hard rubber buttplate is 14 3/8'' with drops of 1 3/8'' and 2 1/4'', the stock with very slight cast-off. Weight is just a bit over 6 lbs. and the arm features automatic safety, double triggers and generous ivory bead front sight. The barrels lock-up solid on-face with top lever well right-of-center and the action will require a little mechanical attention as the ejectors are not tripping, though it seems to be firing and re-cocking normally. The shotgun includes an original Italian Emmebi canvas-covered and leather accented luggage case in near excellent condition with ICD leather lid label on the inside. This is just a wonderful little 410 in an exceptional and rare configuration. (13G11759-27) {MODERN} [Ex-Robert Petersen Collection] (15,000/25,000)