Old shotguns

VA Rebel · 08-05-2005, 06:25 PM

I have come across a couple of old shotguns, and would like to know approximate value, and the year they were made.

1st shotgun is a 12 gauge side by side Ithaca. It is stamped 'pigeon gun', and 'krupt fluid steel' on the barrel. The serial number is 79258. The metal on this shotgun appears to be in good condition and rust free, however, the stock has a crack and the forestock has a chip missing. This gun feels tight and the bore looks good.

2nd shotgun is a 30" single barrel 12 gauge made by Lefever Arms. It is a full choke. The serial number is 19992 12. The metal is worn, but there is no rust. The finish of the wood stock is also worn, but no cracks or missing pieces. The gun feels tight and the bore looks ok.

Any ideas what these are worth and how old they are? Can these shotguns handle modern ammo? Thinking about purchasing both of these, but unsure of the value. Thanks.

Xracer · 08-06-2005, 09:05 AM

Hi VA Rebel.......welcome to TFF.

Let's do the Lefever first, since that's the easier one. The single barrel Lefever could be two possible models....."Trap Gun" or "Long Range Field". Assuming (from your description) about the finish, they're worth about $100 in Fair Condition and $200-250 in Good Condition.

The Ithaca is potentially more valuable....and far more difficult to identify.

The Ithaca SxS doubles were made from 1880 and 1948. Your Serial # indicates a 1902 manufacture date, and is what is known as a "Lewis Model" frame variation.

Problem is, they were offered in a number of different quality grades, and are valued accordingly.

I don't find a "Pigeon Gun" listed. If yours is a plain model, it's a Quality 1, and worth about $150 in Fair Condition to $300 in Good Condition. Add $250 for automatic ejectors.

But........if it has engraving, depending on how much, and the quality of the engraving, it would be one of the higher grades and worth quite a bit more.

Can you shoot them with modern ammunition? With the Lefever....probably...but nothing high powered and get it checked out with a gunsmith first.

With the Ithaca.....a 1902 manufacture date is most likely a blackpowder gun. However, a good gunsmith should be able to tell you after a "hands-on" examination".

08-05-2005, 06:25 PM	#1
VA Rebel Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1	Old shotguns I have come across a couple of old shotguns, and would like to know approximate value, and the year they were made. 1st shotgun is a 12 gauge side by side Ithaca. It is stamped 'pigeon gun', and 'krupt fluid steel' on the barrel. The serial number is 79258. The metal on this shotgun appears to be in good condition and rust free, however, the stock has a crack and the forestock has a chip missing. This gun feels tight and the bore looks good. 2nd shotgun is a 30" single barrel 12 gauge made by Lefever Arms. It is a full choke. The serial number is 19992 12. The metal is worn, but there is no rust. The finish of the wood stock is also worn, but no cracks or missing pieces. The gun feels tight and the bore looks ok. Any ideas what these are worth and how old they are? Can these shotguns handle modern ammo? Thinking about purchasing both of these, but unsure of the value. Thanks. --> Last edited by VA Rebel; 08-06-2005 at 05:19 AM..

08-06-2005, 09:05 AM	#2
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Re: Old shotguns Hi VA Rebel.......welcome to TFF. Let's do the Lefever first, since that's the easier one. The single barrel Lefever could be two possible models....."Trap Gun" or "Long Range Field". Assuming (from your description) about the finish, they're worth about $100 in Fair Condition and $200-250 in Good Condition. The Ithaca is potentially more valuable....and far more difficult to identify. The Ithaca SxS doubles were made from 1880 and 1948. Your Serial # indicates a 1902 manufacture date, and is what is known as a "Lewis Model" frame variation. Problem is, they were offered in a number of different quality grades, and are valued accordingly. I don't find a "Pigeon Gun" listed. If yours is a plain model, it's a Quality 1, and worth about $150 in Fair Condition to $300 in Good Condition. Add $250 for automatic ejectors. But........if it has engraving, depending on how much, and the quality of the engraving, it would be one of the higher grades and worth quite a bit more. Can you shoot them with modern ammunition? With the Lefever....probably...but nothing high powered and get it checked out with a gunsmith first. With the Ithaca.....a 1902 manufacture date is most likely a blackpowder gun. However, a good gunsmith should be able to tell you after a "hands-on" examination".