[collector14]

For the Flues Single-Barrel Trap gun 1914-1922 and the Knick Single-Barrel Trap gun from 1922-1940.

[JohnBT]

Try this, I'm off to have a root canal. :(

www.diamondgunsmithing.com/page5/page23/page23.html

[collector14]

Thanks for the info and good luck with the root canal!

[Rottresq]

Get/borrow a copy of "The American Single Barrel Trap Gun" by Frank F. Conley. Published 1989 Library of Congress Card Number 89-91772. There were only 1k published initially, unknown if there was a second printing, so buying one might be pricy. I was lucky enought to get #433 and have it signed by the author. If you post the serial #'s minus the last two sequential digits I will look it up for you and post it, you decide. Have an old business card from the author. Frank F. Conley P.O. Box 552 Carmel Valley, CA 93924. Unknown if still good.

[collector14]

My 4E NID Knick is 4010xx and the 4E Flues is 2780xx. I will look for the book and thanks!

[JohnBT]

Flues - 276900 - 289299 is 1917

Knick trap - 400000 - 402789 is 1922 to 1944 (that's not much help. JT)

[collector14]

Thanks JT!

[Rottresq]

Collector14,

Sorry for the delayed reply. In your serial # post you did not mention if your serial #'s end in "T". I'll assume they do.

Your 4E Flues was MFD. in 1917.
The 4E grade was introduced in 1914 as the lowest grade Ithaca single barrel trap. After 1919 a "Victory" grade was added to honor WW I vets. Generally Flues are worth about 1/2 the value of a comparable Knick.

As to your Knick, as usual I thought I had something I do not. My book does not give exact dates for Knick models from 1922-1944, I apologize. I can tell you that the Knick is named for Frank Knickerbocker, master gunsmith who started with Ithaca in 1893 and designed the triple-bolted Knick lockworks. The first Knick was numbered 400000 and was shipped 5/31/1922. And production of these Knicks stopped in 1944, total production 2,790 guns. If your gun has a "T" at the end of the serial it is an older model. You also do not mention the grades of your guns. Victory, Sousa, Dollar, etc. The grade can be determined by what is engraved or not engraved. Many scenes were used. This also effects the value tremendously. Remember Knick guns were not numbered consecutively by grade. For example serial number 400320 might be a 4E grade while a 400321 might be a 5E or a 7E or even a Sousa.

The Knick serial numbers went to BATF in 1986 when Ithaca went bankrupt and as usual BATF will not release these serial numbers except to law enforcement. Also included in these Ithaca records are letters written by historical figures, Annie Oakley, John Phillip Sousa and President Teddy Roosevelt. As we all know serial numbers and historical documents are dangerous and should remain confidential. Sorry but thats the best I can do on your Knick.

Your Knick serial of 4010xx puts it between 401000-401999, I would say 1932 or 1933.

I can understand you interest in these very fine old shotguns as they show a craftsmanship not seen today. I own a 1919 4E Flues engraved with a trapshooter on one side, an American Eagle on the other and my grandfather's name on a gold plate in the butt-stock. Had to have the butt-pad replaced as the original 1919 rubber was totally gone other than that its cherry. It points and shoots like a dream. If you have the interest, these guns fit beautifully into a hand tooled mutton leg case. I believe there is a very competent leather maker in Durango Colorado who will make you one if you send him the measurements. But I ramble on and its late.