Ithaca Gun (rifle) marked 1880 - Belonged to deceased dad

[loudnclear]

I know absolutely nothing about guns. This was found under our steps after my dad died. Gun buffs: Is this gun worth anything? It has a piece of wood broken off the side near the triggers. I was going to put it on e-Bay but I trust my friends at DU to tell me what I should be asking for it. Thanks.

[DoNotRefill]

1. You might want to post this to the gun dungeon...

And you can no longer sell guns on e-bay. Any chance you have a pic you can post?

[loudnclear]

10. What is the gun dungeon?

Do you have a link?

[Man_in_the_Moon]

13. Justice/Public Safety

It the place where most gun discussions get sent.

IT is down near the bottom of the forums list, right above 'ask the Admin'.

[CanuckAmok]

2. Keep it!

I once sold something I didn't think was valuable until it was gone.

And, I don't think Ebay allows firearms on their site, anyway.

[GOPisEvil]

3. Um, from what I can tell, 1880 is the year Ithaca began manufacturing guns

I would take it to a gun dealer and have it appraised.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

4. technically its a shotgun

not a rifle. If it was really manufactured in 1880 its probably worth a pretty penny, since this was the first year Ithaca made guns.

[DoNotRefill]

22. Not necessarily...

It's possible that Ithaca got the patents in 1880, since that's when they started production. They'll often stamp the patent date on guns. That doesn't mean the gun was made that year. For example: A Winchester Model 1894 rifle will generally have 1894 stamped on it, even though they were produced forever.

[NewzJunkE]

5. What ?

.. profit from selling a gun? tsk..tsk..

[Don_G]

6. Probably Need More Information

The caliber, overall condition, rifle or shotgun and so forth.

[loudnclear]

9. From my scant knowledge it looks pretty worn.

Piece (not big, more like a big splinter) of the wooden handle is broken off. A good cleaning would help but I don't want to ruin its antiquity.

[TexasMexican]

7. Cant use ebay but...

www.gunbroker.com

Sort of like the ebay for guns.

Not sure if you have do to the all the FFL stuff, since it might be a Curio & Relic (C&R). I dont know much about that kind of stuff.

[mopinko]

8. about dates

don't know nuthin about guns, but i do know that the dates on old stuff are often not the actual date of manufacture. they are often the patent dates, or the date that something was first made, sort of like the edition. if 1880 was the first year, they may have kept that date on there for years.

[loudnclear]

14. The date is inscribed in the metal along with a serial or patent number

It really is an old gun.

[MUAD_DIB]

11. Have it appraised, then don't sell it on ebay.

eom

[northzax]

12. why don't you try the company?

www.ithacagun.com send them a description and ask what you have.


Just out of curiosity, what's the action? pump? lever? maunal reload? does it have one barrel or two?

[loudnclear]

15. Two barrels.

I don't know what you mean by the other items you asked about.

[happyslug]

16. One comment

If the gun was made before 1898 (the date of 1880 may be a patent date as opposed to a manufacuter's date, thus made have been made AFTER 1898) it is NOT a firearm under the Federal Firearms act. The Act only applies to guns made after 1898. Thus it can be shipped through the mail, and sold to all most anyone without violating any FEDERAL CRIMINAL Statues (please check your state for the state's rules on Firearms which differ from the Federal Law I am pointing out).

[loudnclear]

21. Thanks all. I sent e-mail to Ithaca Co. waiting to hear from them.

You folks are the best!

[happyslug]

17. Model 1880 made from 1880-1948

Gives a list of model 1880s
http://store.bluebookinc.com/downloads/SalesPage.asp?Product=firearms&Heading=473

[alwynsw]

18. Check your DU mail

firearms are prohibited on Ebay nad most other online auctions. Should you decide to sell, I recommend a dealer. DO NOT advertise in the paper. It is an invitation to theft. Criminals who needs guns for their crimes often arrange to meet gun sellers, then either rob them, or follow them home. Their reasoning is that if you have one gun, you probably have more.

[DonP]

19. Check for a serial of model number too

The date on a gun is usually the date of the original patent being issued for the specific model. One of my Colt Single Action Army revolvers was made in the 1930's but the date on it is 1873.

Gun Broker.com is one good place, as already metnioned. Another is AuctionArms.com. All 3 serve as the E-Bay equivalent for firearms and accessories.

You may also want to check out the shotgun forum at TheHighRoad.com. Everybody there is pretty friendly to newcomers and very patient about helping folks out that aren't much into guns.

Good luck. But IMHO do think about having the shotgun restored and passing it on in the family.

Don P.

[MadHound]

20. As a non gun nut, I say keep it, pass it on, it is a family heirloom

I have one of my own, an 1851 Stone Hill 50 cal muzzle loader that has always been in the family. It has been used frequently, in fact I shot it when I was a teen, but am afraid to now. I have hung it on the wall, it is quite a conversation piece, especially since I have the original bullet mold and powder horn to go with it.

Keep it, your kids will thank you, your family will thank you.