Ithaca SKB mODEL 400E?

Grouser

Grouser

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Fredericton, NB
Anyone own/seen one of these? Internet research suggests they are rare in that these were the top of the line guns (expensive back in the day) with extensive fine arabesque engraving on the action and barrels and grade III wood. I bought one in 12ga yesterday and can not post pictures yet -- I did however find the following on the net and are sample -- I'll post pictures under the "Show Me Thread" when I can.
skb400-1_zps736809c8.jpg

skb400_zpse7ac81f6.jpg

skb400-2_zps07786596.jpg

skb400-3_zps5d4fda57.jpg
 
Hope you get some really nice figured wood with yours !

There is a lot of respect for SKB guns by those that actually know of them instead of automatically discount that they were made in Japan in the 60's & 70's.
I have owned several and still do own 1 SKB O/U, a 600 20 ga.
Haven't owned one of the SxS's for quite a while, but when the next right one at the right time comes along I will.

The 400E & 480 English were the top of the heap for the SxS models 100, 150, 200, 200E 280English etc. All the guns shared the same mechanicals and grades added levels of engraving and wood the higher up the model #. Built well and reliable, plus not so overweight for guage like the Browning BSS. The weakest link is the scalloped receiver, let the stock get loose and sooner or later cracking will happen c/t the scallop then split wood. Replacements are getting very very scarce !!
 
Yep, I know a little about SKB guns as I collect them. This gun is marked Ithaca. There were very few 400's brought in to the North American market with most being choked full/mod and with a bit better wood than the 100,200 series. From my research on line it seems that there were only 6 skeet models brought in and with grade III/IV wood. I assume that was a reflection of the price at the time. Anyway I'm very pleased with my find and now the quest for the same in a 20ga.
 
Very pretty gun..I absolutely adore those barrel wedges!!! makes it that much more elegant. Nothing wrong with a 12 gauge bird gun either!!

I have a SKB 100 20 gauge (with the mod/imp cyl chokes and 25" barrels). And just received that replacement stock from Ron Sharp, which happens to be straight stocked..Bonus!!!:D. Going to have it fitted and finished as soon as I can..get it back in the grouse woods!! I got a 20 gauge browning bss sporter arriving in the mail tomorrow, So, at least I won't be without a 20 sxs for grouse opener.
 
Grouser said:
Yep, I know a little about SKB guns as I collect them. This gun is marked Ithaca. There were very few 400's brought in to the North American market with most being choked full/mod and with a bit better wood than the 100,200 series. From my research on line it seems that there were only 6 skeet models brought in and with grade III/IV wood. I assume that was a reflection of the price at the time. Anyway I'm very pleased with my find and now the quest for the same in a 20ga.
Click to expand...

Cool, have you run into any marked with "Mitsou" (spelling?). This was from what I have read was perhaps the last north american importer before SKB were exported and sold under their own banner.
I had a 12 ga 600 skeet gun that was marked "BSA", I'm guessing that was exported to the UK and then was brought here ?

What bbl length and choking is the 400 ? Where are the real pics !

I have been gravitating over to 20 ga doubles for all my upland hunting the last decade as I am finding it getting uncomfortable lugging the 12's all day. That and my reflexs are slowing on the Ruffed Grouse flushes so the lighter doubles are helping to get on the bird quick enough.

Tim.

PS
Beautiful dog you have there !

Me and my hunting partner,
PA140100.jpg
 
Tim, this one is marked Ithaca Gun Company on the left barrel and "Custom crafted by SKB on the right. Apparently there were very few 400E,s (perhaps 250 or less?) imported by Ithaca and most were field guns with the same engraved action and no barrel wedges but with less figured wood. As I understand, there were only a handful of designated "skeet" guns brought in (6 12's and 620's) -- Mitsou also imported a 400E again with German Silver arabesque engraving with side plates.
Cheers, John
 
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