I am currently researching a value for a family gun. Serial number as 58### matches 1942 WWII production line. This one is blued with game scene etched on both sides and is in 16 GAUGE. There is no evidence of any US military markings and I found this unusual. Online info says that Ithaca was pretty much producing shotguns only for the military at this time including a request for a run of 16 gauges. Any info appreciated. Here is some info I did get... Thanks, Smirf
WWII production series 57820 to 61450..
" On page 51 of Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters by Walter Snyder there was a contract, date unknown W-740-2594 for 537 Model 37 and 37R 16 gauge shotguns, but there were a bunch of contracts where they were more than 5,000 Ithaca 37's ordered where no caliber was listed. On page 55 there was a letter from Aug. 31, 1942 in which Ithaca responded to the War Department's inquiry of how many Ithaca 37 pumps specifically in 16 gauge were on hand and could furnish. Ithaca told them they had 1,100 pumps in stock with 160 more that would be ready within two weeks. Ithaca also stated that within 60 days they could produce 4,475 more if the War Department would help get the necessary magazine and action bar tubing.
I would think a 16 gauge Ithaca 37 would be somewhat rare, but as for the markings there isn't a place to look that I am aware of specifically, but your serial number falls within the war years as in 1941 the standard 37's went to 50,900 and the solid rib from 70,000 to 71,500 and in 1942 up to 63,000 for the standard version and 1946 was 92,000 to 115,350. So your gun is a wartime gun within the number range."
" Started getting pretty interested in shotguns and reading Bruce Canfield's book where there is a blip about the military and Coast Guard using 16ga shotguns during WWII.
In fact, here's the quote:
After the procurement campaign was well under way on 12 gage shotguns the War Production Board and Defense Supplies Corporation at a conference held in the Small Arms Division during July 1942 decided that it would be necessary to also procure 16 gage pump and automatic shotguns. The Navy Also Requested at approximately the same time that 16 gage pump and automatic shotguns be procured for use of the Coast Guard in guard duty...
WWII production series 57820 to 61450..
" On page 51 of Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters by Walter Snyder there was a contract, date unknown W-740-2594 for 537 Model 37 and 37R 16 gauge shotguns, but there were a bunch of contracts where they were more than 5,000 Ithaca 37's ordered where no caliber was listed. On page 55 there was a letter from Aug. 31, 1942 in which Ithaca responded to the War Department's inquiry of how many Ithaca 37 pumps specifically in 16 gauge were on hand and could furnish. Ithaca told them they had 1,100 pumps in stock with 160 more that would be ready within two weeks. Ithaca also stated that within 60 days they could produce 4,475 more if the War Department would help get the necessary magazine and action bar tubing.
I would think a 16 gauge Ithaca 37 would be somewhat rare, but as for the markings there isn't a place to look that I am aware of specifically, but your serial number falls within the war years as in 1941 the standard 37's went to 50,900 and the solid rib from 70,000 to 71,500 and in 1942 up to 63,000 for the standard version and 1946 was 92,000 to 115,350. So your gun is a wartime gun within the number range."
" Started getting pretty interested in shotguns and reading Bruce Canfield's book where there is a blip about the military and Coast Guard using 16ga shotguns during WWII.
In fact, here's the quote:
After the procurement campaign was well under way on 12 gage shotguns the War Production Board and Defense Supplies Corporation at a conference held in the Small Arms Division during July 1942 decided that it would be necessary to also procure 16 gage pump and automatic shotguns. The Navy Also Requested at approximately the same time that 16 gage pump and automatic shotguns be procured for use of the Coast Guard in guard duty...
