Description
Ithaca-SKB Model 200E Side-by-Side Shotgun — Excellent Condition
The Ithaca-SKB Model 200E is a classic Japanese-made side-by-side shotgun that combines traditional double-gun styling with quality construction and practical mechanical features. This example is presented in excellent condition and has the added distinction of having matching serial numbers on the forearm/foregrip, barrels, and stock, providing an important indication that the major components remain together as originally configured.
The Model 200E was manufactured in Japan by SKB and imported into North America under the Ithaca name during the period when Ithaca Gun Company partnered with SKB. Ithaca imported several SKB shotgun models beginning in the late 1960s, with the Ithaca-SKB guns becoming recognized for their quality of construction, attractive styling, and dependable mechanical design. The Model 200E represented one of the more highly appointed side-by-side configurations in the Ithaca-SKB lineup.
The 200E is a traditional side-by-side double-barrel shotgun, with its two barrels positioned horizontally alongside one another. This configuration has been associated with sporting and field shotguns for generations and remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts of classic double guns. The design gives the shotgun a distinctive appearance while providing two separate barrels and choke configurations suited to different shooting conditions, depending upon the particular configuration.
One of the principal features of the 200E is its single selective trigger. Rather than using two separate triggers, the shooter operates the shotgun through a single trigger mechanism designed to select which barrel fires first. The model was also equipped with automatic ejectors, which lift fired shells from the chambers when the action is opened. These features distinguish the 200E from simpler side-by-side shotguns equipped with extractors or double triggers.
The shotgun’s overall design reflects the traditional styling expected from a quality field gun of its era. The Model 200E was offered with a walnut pistol-grip stock and beavertail-style forearm, along with decorative receiver engraving and other appointments that gave it a more refined appearance than a basic utility shotgun. Examples were available in both 12 and 20 gauge, with various barrel and choke configurations offered during its production period.
This particular example is described as being in excellent condition, making its preservation one of its most notable characteristics. The overall condition is especially significant on a vintage shotgun because the finish, wood, checkering, barrel condition, and mechanical surfaces all contribute to its appearance and collectibility. An example that has been carefully maintained and preserved can provide a very different presentation from a heavily used field gun of the same model.
Another particularly noteworthy feature of this shotgun is the presence of matching serial numbers on the forearm/foregrip, barrels, and stock. Matching numbers are an important detail when documenting older firearms because they indicate that these major components correspond to the same numbered gun. For collectors and enthusiasts, retaining the original matching components is generally preferable to a firearm assembled from replacement or mismatched parts.
The Model 200E is also notable for its place in the history of Japanese sporting firearms. SKB produced shotguns in Japan that were marketed under several names, and its relationship with Ithaca resulted in a series of Ithaca-SKB models imported into North America during the late 1960s and 1970s. Sources identify the Ithaca-SKB import period as approximately 1967 through 1977.
The Model 200E has earned a following among enthusiasts of classic side-by-side shotguns because of its combination of traditional appearance and modern-for-its-era mechanical features. Auction descriptions frequently point to the model’s balance, graceful lines, strong mechanics, and overall quality of manufacture. Examples with desirable configurations and excellent original condition can command considerably more interest than ordinary used field shotguns.
The 200E was available with different barrel lengths and choke configurations depending on the year and gauge. Documented examples include 26-inch and 28-inch barrel configurations, while 20-gauge versions were also produced with shorter barrel options. Because those specifications vary between individual guns, the exact barrel length, gauge, chamber length, and choke markings should be confirmed from the individual firearm rather than assumed from the model designation.
From a historical standpoint, the Ithaca-SKB Model 200E represents an interesting period in American firearms manufacturing and importing. Ithaca was able to offer customers a Japanese-built double gun with the Ithaca name, while SKB’s manufacturing provided the underlying design and production expertise. The result was a shotgun that combined American market recognition with Japanese manufacturing.
This particular Model 200E stands out because of its excellent overall condition and matching serial numbers throughout the major components. Those characteristics make it particularly interesting for someone looking for a well-preserved example of an Ithaca-SKB double gun rather than a heavily worn field shotgun.
Overall, the Ithaca-SKB Model 200E is a classic side-by-side shotgun with traditional styling, quality Japanese manufacture, a selective single trigger, automatic ejectors, and the distinctive appearance associated with Ithaca’s imported SKB line. Combined with its excellent condition and matching serial numbers on the forearm/foregrip, barrels, and stock, this example represents a particularly well-preserved example of a vintage Ithaca-SKB Model 200E.
