The other Ithica thread got me thinking.
This was my Grandfather's. Idk how long he had it or the last time it fired a shell. The firing pins don't work, and it's a Damascus twist, so I wouldn't fire it if it did. It's just a cool keepsake now.
I emailed Ithica about it. This was their reply:
Your gun is a Crass Model manufactured in 1892. Here is a little history on the Crass Models:
The Crass Model was manufactured from 1888 to 1901. It is named after Ithaca’s Frederick Crass, who designed it. This was Ithaca’s first “Hammerless” model shotgun. The early Crass features a barrel with a rounded doll’s head extension very similar to that of the Baker model. The barrel lug had a spring-loaded hook incorporated within it, which lifted the cocking levers when the gun was opened, and the barrels pivoted forward. The cocking levers cammed the hammers back to the cocked position. The hammers, referred to as “strikers” in early catalogues, were powered by flat springs. The gun had an automatic safety. The barrels were bolted to the frame by an underbolt.
In 1897 Leroy Smith and Frederick Crass patented an automatic ejector system which was a $10.00 additional option on any Quality of gun.
The Crass model was priced from $50.00 to $300.00 during the years of production. Currently a Quality 1 Crass model in excellent condition is worth about $800 and a Quality 4 in excellent condition is worth about $2000.
The Crass Model underwent three major frame redesigns throughout its production life. It was available in 10, 12, and 16 gauges.
Thank You for contacting
Ithaca Gun Company
Patty Cooper
USA All the Way!!