doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Another Ithaca question

I recently purchased what I believe to be an Ithaca Lewis Grade 3 with 28in barrels, twin ivory beads and extractors. I was aware of issues with this gun prior to purchase and paid very very little for it. It was rebarreled by Lefevere. They did a nice job as I have to look real hard to see the seams. I bought it for a project gun to make a nice hunting gun out of. It is not a collectors piece due to the rebarreling in addition to the receiver has been polished. In addition it no longer has the correct stock on it. Someone modified what appears to be a Flues or NID stock. My plans are to restock it with a nice but not overly showy piece of black walnut this winter (I have restocked guns so not concerned about this aspect). I would like to get the engraving touched up and the action re-case colored. As I stated, this is not a piece for investment or collecting, but rather just to have a nice hunting gun with some classic looks to it. I am interested in any info on the gun and as to whether it is in fact a Lewis Grade 3. Below are the photos (best I could take, as the engraving is crisper than it appears). Thanks for any help.

According to the serial number chart on page 28 of Walt's book, it's a Lewis made in 1904. Illustrations of a Lewis from page 46 confirm the screw pattern and frame shape of the Lewis- yours is identical. The engraving pattern on your gun is virtually identical to the Quality 3 engraving from page 294 plus the frame is stamped "3". Safe assuption: it's a Lewis Quality 3 from 1904. How's that for an answer from a guy who's never seen a Lewis?

With thanks to Walter Claude Snyder, the author of "The Ithaca Gun Company- From the Beginning". It's a must have for the Ithaca fan.

I envy you this project. Resurrecting a high quality shooter from the scrap pile of collectors indifferance is a noble goal but more important, a lot of fun. For your engraving and case coloring needs, check out Ken Hurst. I've never heard a thing but praise from his customers.

Damn! What a nice gun.

Thanks Cary! I will have to buy Walts book.

Nice older Ithaca you have there. Do you ever wonder what it would have been more fun to live back in the old days when these fine guns where built? Stan

Sure would have been fun to shop for a gun back then. That is if I had enough money to buy one!