old Ithaca double

[zoner]

i have this Ithaca double gun given to me by a co-worker.....it's a side hammer,10 gauge double marked "London Twist" on top between the barrels.....the bores look real good,the action opens easily and locks up tight....as near as i can tell it functions perfectly...it cocks,the sears hold the hammers and release properly,i think the only thing wrong mechanically is one of the firing pins appears to be broken. Alas,someone removed the original wood and put a "custom stock and forend" on it. Anybody know someone who works on or restores old doubles like this?this shotgun has 32" barrels and the lock i think is called a "dolls head".....

[squirrellluck]

Just curious but what are you planning to use it for? Someone correct me if I'm wrong but most if not all damascus barrels are considered unsafe for modern ammo. Make a dandy conversation piece above a fireplace mantle

[bobg]

  My brother has an old Ithaca double. Suppose to be one of the first hammerless Ithacas made. This belonged to my great grandfather. The old boy wasn't much of a hunter. My grandfather ended up with it. Cut the barrels to 24".  My brother used it for years. Just retired it a few years ago. I have seen him make shots on pheasants that were unreal.
          bobg

[Graybeard]

The damascus barrels make it VERY QUESTIONABLE for firing PERIOD and totally unsafe with modern smokeless powder loads. Even shooting black powder ammo in it should be undertaken ONLY after proper inspection and certification by a qualified gunsmith and that does not mean just any old country gunsmith you run acrosss but rather one intimately familiar with such guns.

Treat it as a wall hanger ONLY.

[zoner]

i have no plans or interest in firing this old shotgun and am aware that the london twist means damascus barrels.I don't know what to do with it other than a wall hanger. i was hoping somebody might know someone with an interest in these old guns,for parts or whatever

[hillbill]

if your interested in selling it id take it to a few gun shows and see if there is any interest in it.yull need one of the bigger shows to find sumone interested in damascus guns.chek out gunbroker and like sites.

[pastorp]

I believe the damascus barrelled guns can be proofed for some modern shells. I don't know much about them but you might try shootingsportsman.com

They should be able to help you.

regards,

[zoner]

thanks for the replies,guys

[Drilling Man]

I believe the damascus barrelled guns can be proofed for some modern shells. I don't know much about them but you might try shootingsportsman.com

They should be able to help you.

regards,

  This is true, BUT, you may get your gun back blown up, and "for sure" you have to pay for the "proofing" whether it stays together or not.

  DM