Ithaca Model 37 Info ?

[Ky Larry]

I just received an Ithaca Model 37 from a friend. (A widow.She's moving to Florida and passed her late husband's shotgun on to me.) The serial # is 1583XX. It's very tight and the wood is in excellent condition. However, most of the bluing is gone. It has a 28 inch barrel,no rib, and seems to be choked improved cyl.(A dime can be inserted into the muzzle.) It has the helper pin in the fore end cap so I believe the gun was made before 1954.I would like to have the gun reblued and use it for quail/grouse hunting.Could someone help me with the date of manufacture?Markings on the barrel are:
Ithaca Gun Co., Ithaca N.Y.-Patent No.1849982-Model 37
12 Ga.-2 3/4 Chamber

Below that is Proof MOD
Tested -

There is a roll marked scene on the receiver depicting two water fowl. On the right side is a roll mark scene depicting a bird dog on point and a pheasent breaking cover.
Thank you for any info you can provide.

 

[Badger Arms]

Might have been manufactured in 1947, but you can ask Ithaca yourself. I'm not sure if I'm reading their web site properly:

http://www.ithacagun.com/support/serial/

 

[Chuck Dye]

While at the Ithaca web site, don't miss the downloadable manual. It is well worth the time.

The American Rifleman published a very good exploded diagram and disassembly/reassembly instructions within the last 2-3 years. Sorry, but my copy seems to be in hiding at the moment. If or when I find it, I'll post the issue date.

 

[Lone Star]

Your barrel seems to be marked Modified. I'd go with that before I'd use a coin and decide that it's Improved Cylinder. 28" barrels usually are Modified, in most brands.

Of course, you need to see how it really patterns with the ammo you want to use for various game.

Lone Star

 

[romulus]

Can you tell me about the "helper pin?" I have an 87 (Ithaca Acquisition interim version of the 37) without such pin...I'm curious about early 37s and how they differ from later models.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Good shotgun. Well worth restoring.

It takes 2 3/4" ammo,has a Modified choke and will give generations of service.

Enjoy....

 

[Ky Larry]

Romulus, check out out this site: http://refugeforums.com/refuge/showthread.php?s=&threadid=79094

The purpose of the helper pin is to give some additional leverage in loosening the grip cap. This sight does a very good job of showing the breakdown procedure for a Model 37. Hope this helps.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

 

[romulus]

Indeed it does. My word, how nice! There's something magical about an Ithaca 37, like there is about a 1911 pistol...those pics really bring it home for me.

Thank you Larry, and a Merry Christmas to you as well!

 

[Ky Larry]

Romulas, glad to be of help.

 

[Chuck Dye]

Some unexpectedly thorough house keeping finally turned up the American Rifleman clipping with the Model 37 info. Look for the March 2001 issue.