doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ithaca Flues 12ga 1915 Field?

I just recently obtained this Flues. Based on the serial and other markings it's a 1915 field grade 1 1/2
Serial 258811. All numbers match.
The markings on the underside of barrels indicate FULL and IC (4 and 1) I believe.

Their is NO rust or pitting anywhere the barrels , Bores are absolutely spotless, and see no evidence of any cracks anywhere(wood or frame).
THe barrels are marked 'Krupp Fluid STeel'

I obtained this with the plan of shooting it periodically, primarily at 'Vintage' clay events etc.

Having never had a SxS , let alone a 100+ year old one I have a few questions, if anyone has any input it's greatly appreciated.
Based on what I know of the history of this gun(and I know the family I purchased it from), it's been in the family since it was new.
It was the 'grandfathers', and was passed down to the Dad, then the Son. Neither of the last two ever fired the gun, and as near as anyone is aware there
has never been any modifications.

Does anyone know what the chamber length is in this gun. I have a hunch it's either 2 1/2 or 2 5/8 based on what info I can find, but not sure.?
(I am going to acquire a gauge and measure it, but just curious.)


I've read much(often conflicting) information on these Flues from this era, and it appears that they can be fired with the PROPER modern ammunition?
Specifically light, low pressure loads?

The gun locks up tight. But, when open, there is a barely noticeable movement. (so small I didn't even actually notice it the first few times I opened and closed it.
Is this an issue to worry about?



Thanks in advance

It’s a good choice for OCCASIONAL vintage sporting clay events.
I have a few in various iterations.

Use 1oz loads max.
Or run the risk of breaking off the top right corner of the stock.

The way that the flu stock is attached, and the effects of age drying out the wood, allows recoil to break off that upper corner. You will see them commonly on gun racks around the country. Also, if the bridge mortise is oil soaked, it will crumble as well.
So, no heavy sporting clays loads in a Flues.

They were pedestrian guns made for sales volume.
They aren’t heavily made target guns.

All that said, you can have a great time using your Ithaca Flues shotgun participating in vintage sporting clay events.

Average condition Flues 12 gauges run about $400.00 in field grades.

No one really wants them anymore.

Very helpful Flues tutorial is here, courtesy of Researcher
http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=552032&page=2

Also courtesy of Researcher
Up into early 1915, the No. 1 1/2 had the frame with the roll-stamped dog with company name and a bit of zig-zag border engraving with Damascus barrels, while the Field Grade, No. 1 and the No. 1 Special just had the roll-stamped dog with company name. Field Grade had Smokeless Powder Steel and a half-pistol grip stock. The No. 1 had Twist steel barrels and the No. 1 Special had Cockerill Steel barrels. In mid-1915, Ithaca Gun Co. introduced the bold floral engraving on the No. 1 1/2 and added the option of Krupp Fluid Steel barrels.


In that the gun is >105 years old it is past due for a check and clean by a qualified double gun specialist, and if loose, repaired. The chambers are likely 2 3/4", which the smith can confirm. Let us know where you are and we might be able to recommend someone nearby.

I agree with Clapper that there is little collector/shooter interest in Flues 12g guns, but IMHO a No. 1 1/2 with Krupp barrels is somewhat special and would carry additional value.

BTW: Walt Snyder graciously donated his collection of original Ithaca records to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and a research letter might document the original purchaser.
https://centerofthewest.org/explore/firearms/firearms-records/ithaca/
Walt's book Ithaca Gun Company: From The Beginning is out of print, but still available on the 2nd hand market, or you might ask your local library to request a copy for you - it is well worth reading.

Most sporting goods/hardware store catalogs listed the 1 1/2 with damascus barrels in 1915 for $50; $60 with AE, which would be about $1800 today. I don't know if Krupp barrels added to the cost.

Hi drew. Mine has the floral engraving and Krupp barrels. And yes I agree on the gunsmith review. That was actually going to be my next post 😀. I’m in upstate ny in Binghamton area. I’d appreciate any smiths within a couple hours if any one knows of a good one. Thx for all the info

Diamond? Something in upstate NY has as much Flues stuff as Ithaca did.

Edited to add:

https://diamondgunsmithing.com/

PM Rich Beckner/Ithaca Rick for local forecast on Ithaca’s.

Flues model Ithaca’s have a pretty small bearing surface for the crosspin. I think most of them have a little wiggle.
The piece to worry about is the cocking rod plunger. A little wear, and gun won’t cock.

A thing using one heavily will manifest for you.

Brian M. Dudley is in Spencerport
http://bmdgunstocks.com/

Daniel May is in Oswego
http://www.classicgunstocks.com

Both are stock specialists, and Dan does this
http://www.millersingletrigger.com/services.html

but both do general gunsmithing.

Thx guys for the info. This is very helpful

claydog,
I would like to add, welcome aboard! This is a great place to visit.
Karl

Thx. Definitely... This has been great.

I'm also looking at an LC Smith FW - 12 from the mid to late 1920's based on serial #s at an online auction(actually from a friend who's dad recently passed). But it's not in nearly as good condition as this Flues,based on the pics , AND it's an online auction in the Pittsburg area.
I really don't want to buy, then drive 6 hours and find it's in really bad condition and not shootable. I really want something I can shoot periodically and this gun being local(despite I know little about these doubles), at least I was able to look at it. The only thing I see is that for some reason someone had at some point apparently painted the action black, and alot of the paint has loosed and fallen off over the years , but mechanically from what I can see, it appears solid.

I am a little leery about this Flues, with the noted issues with cracking etc., but I cannot see anything wrong physically externally with it. This sites been a great help. I'll definitely be back. I'm hunting down one of those smiths the guys recommended in earlier posts to get it checked out.

claydog: I'm a Smith guy, but honestly you are more likely to do well with a good condition No. 1 1/2 Flues than an abused Smith. The problems are usually not "what I can see"
Look around here a bit
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

The Flues listing in 1916 and note that Krupp barrels were originally available only starting with the No. 3