Question About Older Ithaca 37

[chuck pullen]

Long ago, before I had any appreciation for such things, I inherited my grandfather's Ithaca 37. It has no serial number that I can find. I'm pretty sure my grandfather had it at least in the early 50s, probably earlier. It is in good shape, and I want to keep it, but I'd like to figure out (roughly) how old it is. Also, it needs a new magazine spring. Any ideas on where to get information and parts for this old shotgun would be appreciated.

 

[bushmaster1313]

With gun unloaded look at the front face of the receiver to see the serial number

Serial number can be posted and someone will tell you the age.

Pre war guns had checkering that met at a point over the top of the grip

 

[chuck pullen]

Bushmaster:

Thanks. I found the serial number and it is 46283. The checkering on the buttstock from both sides meets or joins at the top of the wrist of the buttstock. If anyone has any info on the age that indicates, I'd really appreciate it. Edit: a website for Diamond Gunsmithing gives a date of manufacture for this serial number as 1941. That makes sense as my grandfather died in 1971 in his late 60s.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Made in 1941

 

[chuck pullen]

Bushmaster:

Thanks for the help. Any other info about this gun or older Ithacas in general is appreciated.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Pictures please

 

[chuck pullen]

I will try to post pictures tomorrow. Please check back.

 

[chuck pullen]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've recently communicated with Les at Diamond Gunsmithing. Very nice and prompt reply. I'm looking at getting the shotgun re-blued and one barrel cut down to a little over 18 inches. I'll keep you posted.