Considering that Ithaca had their own flagship boxlock double guns, which were certainly well made and very popular, it seems likely that the sole intent of Ithaca was to capitalize on the good Lefever brand name with the introduction of the cheaper Nitro Special. Considering how slowly things often moved in the gun industry, it didn't take long after 1919 for the Nitro Special to emerge. They must have gotten a pretty good deal on the Lefever name and inventory, because they were advertising sideplate guns at a 40% discount in the 1917 catalog according to Elliot. I wonder if sales of Lefever sideplate guns appeared anywhere in Ithaca's ledgers??? Remington may have made Parkers, but it is very doubtful that we'd ever see Remington making model 94 Winchesters. Companies are funny about propping up the products that come from their major competition.
Since the Nitro Specials eventually reached four times the production numbers of the original hammerless sideplate Lefevers, it seems it was a smart business move. I want to thank Mr. Snyder for his input and perhaps providing a couple more pieces to the puzzle.
