I have a photo of a high grade Ideal bought last year by a friend for 12000, the model with the side shields. In my file of over 20 000 pics it is mislaid someplace. I will post it when I find it. that shotgun is quality through and through. Not my idea of heaven, but really superb gun. If I went for an Ideal it would be the self opening Robust Ideal, for the robustness and the ergonomics, as well as the rounded action body.
Canvasback gives the facts re Ideal sales, no need to elaborate further.
Servicing by the makers is what the English themselves recommend in their adverts in the British shooting press. It used to be possible, now it is a buraucratic nightmare. Others can service guns, sure, but service by the makers safeguards the investment as well as the gun.
