Legacy of Precision: The History and Excellence of Ithaca Gun Company

And The Ithaca NID Grade 5E Trap SXS 12 Gauge

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Part 1: The History of Ithaca Gun Company

The Ithaca Gun Company, established in 1880 in Ithaca, New York, has a storied legacy as one of America's prominent firearm manufacturers. The company was initially rooted in the vision of William Henry Baker and brothers Lyman Cornelius and Leroy Smith, who had moved the W.H. Baker Company from Center Lisle to Syracuse before relocating and forming the original Ithaca Gun Company. Over the years, Ithaca became synonymous with quality shotguns and rifles, contributing significantly to both the firearm industry and the local economy of Tompkins County.

One of Ithaca's most significant contributions to the firearms industry was the Ithaca Flues double-barreled shotgun. Designed by Emil Flues, this shotgun featured a streamlined mechanism with only three moving parts per barrel, a design that Ithaca upgraded for mass production. The Flues model became immensely popular, with over 223,000 units produced between 1908 and 1926. This success effectively edged out Remington from the double-barreled shotgun market.

Another iconic model from Ithaca was the Ithaca 37 shotgun. Known for its reliability and durability, the Ithaca 37 was based on expired patents owned by Remington Arms and became a staple for various law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles and New York Police Departments. Additionally, it was adopted by the Royal Thai Army in the early 1980s to combat communist insurgents. The company's hunting shotguns were also renowned for their intricate decorative engravings, often depicting waterfowl or hunting dogs, adding an artistic touch to their functional design.