Age of Ithaca 37

[SMLE 303]

Today I was given a Model Ithaca Model 37 Featherweight Deluxe, 27 1/2 inch barrel, red fiber optic sight, vent rib barrel, wood stock(deluxe engraving), 2 3/4 chamber. It has an engraving of a dog and 2 flushed pheasants on its receiver(right side),and similar on the opposite side. It didn't have a manufacture date, only a serial number. It seems like a nice handling gun, but I don't know if I can fire steel shot through it or not. the type of choke was not given. Here is the serial number of it: 371457026 . If any one could tell me the approximate age, value, and whether it is steel compatible. Any help is appreciated. Much thanks in advace.

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

Manufactured:1951 based on the number given
Value: $200-$250 is the typical price on the EE.
As for steel depends on the choke. I had one with Imp Cyl and it could safely shoot steel.

 

[Gerald]

Are you sure about that date? It doesn't look right to me. It is above 855,000. Try posting this on Shotgunworld in the "I love my Ithaca section" and see if it is confirmed.

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

Your right my bad. I was looking at only the first 4 numbers to get a manufacturing year. The place I looked doesn't go past 6 digits. but I can say its after 1953

 

[Greenhorse six]

Guns with serial numbers above 855,000 accept 2 3/4" and3" chambered barrels interchangeably,but you can only use what ever your reciver is chambered for.

Interchangeable barrels became available in(IIRC) 1957.

Your Ithaca has a higher serial # then mine,which was made in 1969.