doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com ITHACA FLUES 4 E SBT

I have recently become interested in an Ithaca Flues 4E SBT gun, but I do not know much about them and would like some information. From what I have been able to research, the engraving design seems to vary. I see some guns with what appears to be an eagle design, and the very different design of the gun I am looking at to purchase, which has the bird dog on the side. Can anyone tell me the differences, and is one design of more value, or more desirable than the other? Thanks.
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Dogs were on the early ones (pre 1915/16) I personally prefer the dogs and scroll to the later trapshooter and eagle. JMHO.

I think the dog engraving is much better but I love the early engraving. That looks like a very nice gun. If you don't buy it, can you let me know where it is? I would be interested in it. Thanks, Frank

Pretty Ithaca. I've been looking at the Ithaca SBT Flues and Kincks as well. The engraving of the dogs are a nice touch.

It would be nice to see a picture of that gun open so we could see the type of bplting it has. I'm guessing the original early Flues style --



But, it could also be the first style Arthur P. Curtis bolting --



Pretty sure it is not the later Curtis bolting --

I will check with the seller to see what style it has. Would any particulas style be of more interest or value that the other?

Were there any problems with the first variety bolting design to warrant the design change? If so, what were they? According to your book Walt the the second style of bolting was brief then lastly and the final bolting design with the shorter tendon.

Stubtwist,
There is no 'performance' data from nearly 100 year old guns. We can only speculate. A.P Curtis was the plant manager and it was he who 'invented' and patented the second lockup scheme. I assume he thought it a better design OR because it was his invention and he was in charge. The third and last scheme was probably done to reduce costs. I have a 7E with the first design. I have shoot a few rounds of trap but have not and do not plan to shoot it to a failure mode. IMHO, the 'failure mode' of the Flues SBTs in the cocking hook and that rarely. Now only a problem because a replacement has to be made. There were about 5000 Fluse SBTs in use and they were very popular. That is my two cents anyway.