Fox Collectors

Researcher wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2026 5:45 pm Dug two No. 4E NIDs out of the safe and nothing. What vintage is the gun that is signed?

DarylC wrote: ↑Sun May 10, 2026 12:23 pm Well I'm not a collector per say, just a shooter and a signature wouldn't get my motor running. I look for guns that fit me, have good triggers and I can shoot reasonably well. If they have a signature it might help if I decide to move it down the road.

Stan Hoover wrote: ↑Sun May 10, 2026 6:52 pm I have not encountered an NID with McGraw’s signature, only Knick Single Barrel Trap models. Where I find the signature most frequently is on the left side of the frame in the lower right corner in the floral engraving as pictured. While on the rare side, I’ve seen it on maybe 8 - 10 Knick 4E & 5E’s.

Per Ithaca Gun Company From the beginning by Walt Snyder, Bill McGraw was working alone by the 1950’s when the company contracted with Justin Michelina in Florida to engrave Ithaca guns. Michelina is known to have engraved grade 4 and 5 single barrel trap guns. This seems to be the era when McGraw signed some of his work on SBT guns. (I didn’t locate where Walt wrote directly about Michelina doing some Ithaca work, but he wrote there was some level of competitiveness, hence McGraw choosing to sign his work.

Ralph Allen was employed as a factory engraver during the 1967-71 time frame, Allen signed much of his work, sometimes very prominently. (I have not encountered a Ralph Allen signed gun.

William Mains began engraving Ithaca guns circa 1968-1985. Bill McGraw retired in 1968, leaving us a 61-year legacy of his gun artistry.