The Unfinished Legacy of Bill McGraw

Ithaca 12-Gauge Magnum 10 and Ithaca Model 37R

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The Unfinished Legacy of Bill McGraw: Ithaca 12-Gauge Magnum 10 and Ithaca Model 37R

Bill McGraw, the esteemed engraver for Ithaca Gun Company, spent over six decades perfecting the art of engraving firearms. He became known for his ability to transform functional shotguns into works of art through intricate scrollwork and detailed gold inlays. Though McGraw engraved countless guns for others during his prolific career, he rarely made time to work on personal projects. Late in his life, he began work on two guns intended for himself: a 12-gauge shotgun based on the Magnum 10 platform and an Ithaca Model 37R in 20 gauge. Unfortunately, both guns were left unfinished upon his passing in 1972, leaving behind a unique insight into the personal work of one of the finest engravers of his time.

The 12-gauge shotgun based on the Magnum 10 platform, serial number 501005, was McGraw’s attempt to craft a gun for himself after years of engraving for others. This gun, meant to reflect his personal tastes and preferences, was left partially finished. The highly polished receiver and early stages of engraving demonstrate McGraw’s meticulous process, even for a personal project.

The Magnum 10 stands out not just for its craftsmanship, but also for the way McGraw had tailored its design to suit his own shooting preferences. The gold-plated triggers were positioned according to his personal preference, a detail that hints at the gun’s significance as more than just another commissioned piece. While the engraving was never completed, the gun remains a powerful symbol of McGraw’s personal approach to combining elegance with practicality.