I would appreciate any thoughts/opinions on the quality of the Ithaca Classic Doubles, hopefully from personal experience. Are they built for the long haul? How are the overall cosmetics? I've seen just a few, but not enough to have an overall impression. They seem to have held value fairly well--are they worth what folks are asking? Thanks in advance for any replies. Keith

From the several I have seen, one needs to closely inspect the wood for cracks. Perhaps it is the high humidity/change here on the coast but have seen more forend cracks than seem reasonable. Engraving does seem 1st class as does the metal finish. Best, Dr. BILL

Keith, I have one in 28 ga and I love it. It seems to be very well built and is nicely finished also. The engraving is not detailed or complicated, but is pleasant and all hand done (Adams and Adams, in VT?). Beautiful wood (I added some oil to fill the grain completely) with good fit and really well done, fine checkering. Barrel (Krupp steel) bluing and case colors were done by Doug Turnbull so they are as nice as you could want. I got a 28" PG/BT/DT model and after I removed some wood from inside the buttstock to move the balance forward, I got a lively but stable, 5lb., 12 oz. beauty (with modern dimensions). The chokes were originally an unmarked mod/IM and I had them opened to .000/.007 for Ruffed and Blue Grouse. I payed too much for it (as usual) since it was NIB, but I don't think I'll ever sell this one. There were supposedly some quality issues with ones below a certain serial #; I think you're supposed to avoid ones below 471000, but a search should shed light on that. They also made some with 30" bbls, although the gun is so slender, the 28" bbls look that long.
FWIW, Joe

Some of the early ones had wood that was REALLY proud, for a gun of that price range. And a buyer should be particularly wary of the "Mario Beschi"-marked ICD rejects.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, but you probably already know that they made fewer than 300 guns total!
Joe