Ithaca 894839 - Parkerized or Dulite?

[KeithNyst]

Notes I've taken indicate there are observed parkerized Ithacas above 893000 and below 896000 (2 that I have notes on) and that no dulites had been observed above 890000.

Here is one on GB, 894839, that says it is Dulite. If the finish is as stated, and original, this would adjust some of the historical notes I know many of us keep. If correct, this example, coupled with the abve 2 parkerized examples, would indicate that there may be a mixture of parkerized and Dulite in a transition range of serial numbers. I don't have the expertise to tell dulite vs. parkerized on photos. What does this one look like to you?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=331063311

[RCS]

This Ithaca is in the 891xxx serial number range, believe it is DuLite color

[Scott Gahimer]

I've owned and looked at quite a few in the early-mid 89xxxx range and haven't seen one Du-Lite yet. The about 900,000 in the book is an estimated range at which Parkerizing was standardized, but I think the change mostly took place by ca. 890,000.

[da gimp]

looks lightly buffed too from the poor quality photos.......... might explain the DuLite type re-finish

[Johnny P]

The finishes were not mixed. When Ordnance ordered the change from Du-Lite to phosphate they allowed Remington to continue to finish in Du-Lite as they had several thousand receivers on hand already finished in Du-Lite.

[KeithNyst]

The finishes were not mixed. When Ordnance ordered the change from Du-Lite to phosphate they allowed Remington to continue to finish in Du-Lite as they had several thousand receivers on hand already finished in Du-Lite.

Johnny, I should have worded more clearly. What I meant was could there be some Ithacas that are 100% parkerized and some 100% Du-lite within a small transition serial number range ... say between 890000 and 895000?
Scott noted above that he has seen several parkerized in th 89xxxx range, but he's not seen any Du-lite finshed above 890000. The GB listing I referenced at the start of this thread says it is Du-lite with SN 894839.

[Scott Gahimer]

Keith,

I think the seller on the auction is simply relying on the book to determine the finish of his pistol. I think the finish on his pistol looks Parkerized in the photos. But...people will probably bid more if they think they are buying a Du-Lite pistol.

[KeithNyst]

Thanks, Scott. I have added a sub-890k Du-lite to my long-term wish list.