Ya Joe, didn't you say about two years ago that "If you looked at the inside of a Parker you never would own one." Interesting change in perspective over the course of only two years.
The Ithaca is as good as the Parker only it was eclipsed by the popularity of their Model 37 and now nobody even remembers the doubles they built.
The Ithaca double guns were well designed and reliable, but they were never quite in the class of the Parker, the Fox and the L.C. Smith. The locks were not quite as carefully fitted and polished. Even in their higher grades they were never stocked with French walnut, and the engraving, though
showy, was not as well executed as was that on the other good-grade guns. The checkering was not as carefully and flawlessly done. However, the Ithaca sold
for about half what the other companies got for a corresponding grade. Ithaca doubles were made in all gauges from .410 to Magnum 10.
The No. 5 cost $189.60 with ejectors and double triggers. It was a real fancy job with fine checkering in an elaborate pattern and a good deal of showy but rather shallow engraving.
Jack O'Conner (1949)___________________________________________
