Description:
E.F. Flues, Maker (of Ithaca Gun Co. fame), Buffalo N.Y., 12 ga. , SN523, RARE !!!
Emil Flues is known for his work with Ithaca Gun Co. in the early 1900’s and as the creator of the famous “FLUES MODEL” Ithaca double shotgun. His action provided life to the longest running, most prolific double shotgun Ithaca ever produced. Many are not aware that Mr. Flues created new prototype actions and eventually had his own shop building guns labeled with his own name in Buffalo N.Y. Many of his models were of his own design, some were built on German actions from J.P. Sauer. This is the latter. Nothing was left out when Flues built this gun and it is engraved with a strong Ithaca Gun Co. influence and an American versus German flair. From scalloped back, sculptured, reinforced frame to the 3 point lock up with side clips, strength and stability are evident here, above the standard Sauer offerings. Mr. Flues had a historic influence on the golden age of the American Double. Any serious collector/shooter of American doubles would do well to have an example of his work to share and enjoy. There is much recorded history surrounding Mr. Emil Flues. There is value to his provenance.
This is a very light, well balanced 12ga. with 30” nitro steel barrels retaining 99% rust blue with mirror bores, choked XF/XF (.045/.045, can be altered to your specs for $70 per barrel), bore diameter .726/.725, minimum wall thickness 35 thou, no nicks, pits, or dents, 2 ¾” chambers, ribs tight and barrels ring like the church’s bell, ivory front bead, strong well timed ejectors, barrels tight on face and hinge pin like a new gun, gorgeous milled game rib, just a great set of barrels.
The action is a Sauer Boxlock but with many custom features meant to strengthen the action. The triple lock up is achieved with a double underbite and a Greener cross bolt, and is bolstered with sideclips. The area just under the barrel flats is gracefully reinforced with sculpted steps. The back of the action is scalloped, the top of the action is rebated to retain the head of the stock tight to the top tang, the bottom of the action is sculpted on the outside edges, all for strength and good looks. There are cocking indicators on top of the action, auto safety, and the action screws each have corresponding lock screws. The bone and charcoal case colors are gorgeous and 99%, and the engraving is superb. The action is tight and the triggers are crisp.
The European walnut stock is nicely figured with strong fiddleback contrast, horn forend tip inlay and butt plate, an ebony inlay at the apex of the cheek area of the stock head, excellent 26 LPI checkering, wood to metal fit is superb, top head of the stock inletted to frame rebate to prevent splitting, awesome oil finish, 14” LOP, 2 ¾” drop at heel, 1 5/8” drop at comb, 1/8” cast off (dimensions can be bent to your specs or a pad of your choice added to lengthen stock within 10 days of purchase for a small added cost), no splits, cracks, or repairs. Both the forend and butt stock are superb in all ways.
We actually have 3 E.F. Flues shotguns for sale; this one, a prototype 20ga. O/U w/30” barrels made in the early 1920’s w/serial number 41 (the earliest American O/U I am aware of), and a single barrel trap, sn2, that is unique, BEST QUALITY, and above Sousa Grade in adornment. They will be listed in the next few days or weeks. These are RARE GUNS AND RARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE AVID ITHACA AND AMERICANA COLLECTOR.
There are more photos upon request. There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on this gun. Please see my other fine guns on this website. Just click on the line in the ad that says “see all items from this seller” and a good list of collectible and sporting arms will pop up. Thanks for looking!
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: See Description
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
