Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this sought-after hammerless double-barrel shotgun for a penny-start auction; this is the Ithaca Lewis Quality No. 3!
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Ithaca
Model: Lewis Quality No. 3
Serial: 97906
Date of Manufacture: 1904 (According to https://firearmsguide.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5314&Itemid=167)
Caliber: 12 Gauge with .45-70 Tube in the Left Side
Finish: “White”
Barrel Length: 22" Damascus Steel Barrels
Optics/Sights: Brass Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Finely Checkered English Walnut Stock with Full Pistol Grip
Action: Side-by-Side, Hammerless, Top-Lever Break Shotgun
Markings: Standard / The receiver is beautifully finely engraved.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Ithaca Gun Company began with humble origins in 1880, housed in a modest wooden structure along the banks of Fall Creek in Ithaca, New York. The building, once a mill and wagon spoke shop, was ideally situated to utilize the creek’s abundant water power—an essential resource for manufacturing in the pre-electricity era. It was here that Leroy H. Smith, a businessman from Lisle, New York, brought to life the vision of building high-quality American shotguns. Inspired by the innovative designs of local gunsmith W.H. Baker, particularly his unconventional boxlock hammer shotgun, Smith invested $1,800 to begin production. The resulting Baker Model set the tone for the company’s commitment to durability, functionality, and craftsmanship, quickly earning a strong reputation among American sportsmen. Early advertisements lauded the shotgun as the “Strongest, simplest and best American gun manufactured,” and it helped solidify Ithaca’s position as a rising force in the American firearms industry.
Model: Lewis Quality No. 3
Serial: 97906
Date of Manufacture: 1904 (According to https://firearmsguide.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5314&Itemid=167)
Caliber: 12 Gauge with .45-70 Tube in the Left Side
Finish: “White”
Barrel Length: 22" Damascus Steel Barrels
Optics/Sights: Brass Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Finely Checkered English Walnut Stock with Full Pistol Grip
Action: Side-by-Side, Hammerless, Top-Lever Break Shotgun
Markings: Standard / The receiver is beautifully finely engraved.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Ithaca Gun Company began with humble origins in 1880, housed in a modest wooden structure along the banks of Fall Creek in Ithaca, New York. The building, once a mill and wagon spoke shop, was ideally situated to utilize the creek’s abundant water power—an essential resource for manufacturing in the pre-electricity era. It was here that Leroy H. Smith, a businessman from Lisle, New York, brought to life the vision of building high-quality American shotguns. Inspired by the innovative designs of local gunsmith W.H. Baker, particularly his unconventional boxlock hammer shotgun, Smith invested $1,800 to begin production. The resulting Baker Model set the tone for the company’s commitment to durability, functionality, and craftsmanship, quickly earning a strong reputation among American sportsmen. Early advertisements lauded the shotgun as the “Strongest, simplest and best American gun manufactured,” and it helped solidify Ithaca’s position as a rising force in the American firearms industry.
Over the next several decades, Ithaca became known for producing side-by-side double barrel shotguns of exceptional quality. The company responded to changing market preferences with a relentless pursuit of innovation, introducing five major design changes to its doubles over 68 years of production. One of the major technological shifts during this time was the transition from Damascus and twist steel barrels to stronger fluid steel barrels, a move influenced by evolving ammunition and safety standards. Ithaca’s hammerless designs, such as the Crass Model introduced in 1892, were ahead of their time and marked a turning point in shotgun development. The Crass was followed by models like the Lewis, Manier, and Flues—each bringing refinements in design, locking mechanisms, and barrel technology. Ithaca’s catalog offerings grew more diverse, offering models across various price points and gauges, from simple field guns to ornately engraved, gold-inlaid sporting arms. Despite their innovations and market leadership, by 1948 economic pressures and changing consumer tastes led to the discontinuation of the company’s entire double barrel line, marking the end of a remarkable era in American gunmaking.
Among these historic models, the Lewis Model of 1904 holds a special place in Ithaca’s evolution. Introduced at serial number 94,109, the Lewis represented a significant improvement in locking systems, being the first Ithaca gun advertised with a three-bolt lockup—featuring two cuts in the barrel extension and an underbolt for enhanced security. Though it retained the same cocking mechanism as the Crass, this new bolting system addressed the increasing demand for robust and reliable field guns capable of handling modern loads. The Lewis was offered in a wide variety of grades and gauges, aligning with Ithaca’s strategy of catering to both budget-conscious hunters and affluent sportsmen. Its availability in 10, 12, and 16 gauge, along with options for fluid steel or Damascus barrels, provided flexibility for every shooter’s preference. The 1904 Ithaca catalog showcased nine hammerless models, including the Lewis, with prices ranging from affordable field-grade guns to the top-tier No. 7, adorned with fine walnut, gold triggers, and intricate engravings. The Lewis Model exemplified Ithaca’s dedication to combining innovative engineering with broad market appeal, and its success set the foundation for subsequent models like the Manier and Flues, continuing Ithaca’s legacy of American craftsmanship and adaptability.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
