Lot 162

Jack Dempsey's Ithaca Grade 7E New Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun

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Jack Dempsey's Ithaca Grade 7E New Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun

Estimate: $35,000 - $55,000

Starting Bid: $30,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extremely Rare Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Ithaca Grade 7E New Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun Made for Famed American Boxer Jack Dempsey with Factory Letter and Case This magnificent American double gun was made for famed American boxer Jack Dempsey, one of the finest fighters of his day and known to be one of the wealthiest athletes in the world during his career. William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey was born in Colorado and spent his early life doing whatever work he could find, filling his spare time fighting in the saloons and bars of the American West. Dempsey went on to hold the Heavyweight Title from 1919 to 1926, forever cementing himself in American sports history. The included factory letter confirms the Grade 7E configuration, the 12 gauge chambering, and the 28 inch vent rib barrels when the gun was ordered for Dempsey by Mr. L. A. Wehle and that it was built in the latter half of 1937. The letter further states that these "celebrity" guns were handled by the vice president of operation directly and that the records were unfortunately discarded years prior. It appears that the L. A. Wehle in question was Louis A. Wehle of Rochester, New York, chairman of the Genesee Brewery and a relative to the owners of Elhew Kennels who sponsored Jack Dempsey. Later in life, Wehle was the Commissioner of the New York State Conservation Department. A note at the bottom of the letter also states that Mr. Wehle was a sparring partner of Dempsey's. According to page 93 of Walter Claude Snyder's "The Ithaca Gun Company: From the Beginning", only 22 of these grade 7E guns were made across all gauges. The gun was built with blued steel barrels featuring dual white bead sights on the matted vent rib, "ITHACA GUN Co." and "ITHACA, N.Y. U.S.A." marked on the right and left tubes respectively, 1 1/2 inch panels of floral scroll engraving at the breech, jeweled flats, and chambers measured 2 3/4 inches with ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the vibrantly casehardened action which displays near full coverage oak leaf and acorn engraving surrounding a pair of gold inlaid mallards taking to the air on the left, a gold pair of standing pheasant cocks on the right, a bust of a buck on the trigger guard bow in gold, and a gold inlaid eagle clutching arrows on the underside of a "MADE IN U.S.A." banner. The gun features double gold triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "S" indicator. The gun is fitted with a fabulously well-figured and fancy fleur-de-lis checkered beavertail forend with engraved blued iron and Deeley release and an ebony tip inlay as well as a pistol grip stock with checkered flats, a black grip cap, blank gold stock shield, and a black serrated buttplate. Includes a period leather flat case with blue interior. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .730/.731 inches; choke constriction .023/.038 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.030 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 9/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 15 oz.

Manufacturer: Ithaca Gun Co

Model: New Ithaca Double

BBL: 28 inch vent rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 12

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number461831

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent overall, retaining 98% original blue and gold finishes, 85% plus original case colors, minor handling evidence, some gold wear on the triggers, a tiny crack in the ebony forend inlay, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with exterior wear and tears in the interior. A fantastic opportunity to own a stunning American double owned by American boxing legend Jack Dempsey!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000