SKB/Ithaca Model 500 12 ga. Over & Under 28' barrels for sale online. Serial Number: -S5511264-Barrel Length Inches: -28'-Length of Pull Inches: -14'.
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Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:33 pm
Utility Grade
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:03 pm Posts: 2
I am looking for manufacturing information on an over/under shotgun with serial number SKB CF 5156XX. My uncle passed it on to me and the only back story he has is that he bought it used in about 1981 from a guy that could no longer shoot trap and skeet. It looks like a Field Gun, it has a blued receiver, with a little scroll work on the sides of it. I am mostly looking for the approximate year of manufacture, but a value range would be helpful too. Judging from what I have seen on the net, 400-700 dollars looks like an appropriate value range, depending on the wear and tear, but any input from members of this board would be helpful. I have looked at the SKB website, and also e-mailed them and they cannot help, something about not having any information from previous importers. Thank you in advance. Tony
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Post subject: Re: SKB Over Under year of manufacture
Crown Grade
Joined: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:26 pm Posts: 3147
A model number and importer's name and city should be stamped on the barrels. IIRC, since the 1960's, there were four different importers. That information may help to date the year of manufacture. Montani Semper Liberi
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Post subject: Re: SKB Over Under year of manufacture
Utility Grade
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:03 pm Posts: 2
Thank you for the response doppelflinten. I actually took the gun out shooting last night, and ran into some SKB enthusiasts that showed me right where the information you mention should be on the barrel and there is nothing there. The barrel, forarm, and stock are all numbered with the SKB CF 5156XX number, but there are no other markings on any parts I can readily see with it apart. I guess the vintage doesn't matter too much, I like the feel of this gun, and it shoots well for me.
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Post subject: Re: SKB Over Under year of manufacture
Crown Grade
Joined: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:26 pm Posts: 3147
IIRC, Ithaca ceased importing the SKB line in 1977. Some sources have said that SKB went into bankruptancy around 1980. There was a period of time when the guns were not available in the States. About that time, I contacted the Japanese Trade Consul and was given the address for 'The New SKB Co.'. Mitsui in Chicago picked up the line and imported it until about 1984. I don't know if Mitsui had the line before, as well as, after the SKB bankruptancy. It's my understanding that Mitsui ran afoul of the BATF and was shut down. One rumour claimed that some Mitsui/SKB's were not marked as imports. The lack of an importer's name on your gun may lend credence to the Mitsui tale. Perhaps Walt Snyder or Ron Sharp may be able to comment further on the history of SKB in North America. Regardless of the history of your SKB, they are well built guns. I've put many thousands of trap loads through one and it still locks up like a bank vault. Enjoy your SKB! Montani Semper Liberi