The Ithaca Sousa Grade SXS 12 Gauge Shotgun:

A Legacy of Craftsmanship, Elegance, and American Gunmaking

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The Ithaca Sousa Grade SXS 12 Gauge Shotgun: A Legacy of Craftsmanship, Elegance, and American Gunmaking

Part 1: The Legacy of Ithaca Gun Making

The Ithaca Gun Company stands as a venerable icon in the annals of American firearm manufacturing. Founded in 1880 in Ithaca, New York, the company's trajectory is a tale of innovation, craftsmanship, and endurance, exemplifying the evolution of gun making over the past century. The rich history of the Ithaca Gun Company is intricately woven with the fabric of American industrialization, military engagements, and sporting culture.

The genesis of the Ithaca Gun Company can be traced back to the partnership of brothers Lyman Cornelius and Leroy Smith with William Henry Baker. Prior to establishing the Ithaca Gun Company, the trio was involved with the W.H. Baker Company, a manufacturer of double- and triple-barreled shotguns. By 1883, however, Baker and Smith decided to venture into new territory and founded the Ithaca Gun Company in Ithaca, with Leroy Smith at the helm. The company swiftly gained recognition for its firearms, particularly the Ithaca Flues double-barreled shotgun and the Ithaca 37 shotgun, which would become synonymous with the brand.