How to Identify an Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun
Ithaca Double Barrel Shotguns: A Brief History and Identification Guide
The Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun is a classic American firearm with a rich history. First produced in 1872, the Ithaca has been used by hunters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel for over a century. With its reliable design and smooth action, the Ithaca is a favorite among shooters of all skill levels.
In this guide, we will discuss the history of the Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun, as well as provide tips on how to identify one. We will also cover some of the different models that were produced over the years, and discuss their features and performance.
Whether you’re a collector, a shooter, or just someone who’s interested in learning more about this iconic firearm, we hope you’ll find this guide informative and helpful.
| Feature | Description | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel length | The barrel length of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is typically 28 inches, but can vary from 26 to 30 inches. | Measure the length of the barrel from the end of the muzzle to the end of the receiver. |
| Gauge | The gauge of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is typically 12 gauge, but can also be 16 gauge or 20 gauge. | Check the gauge of the shotgun by looking for a marking on the barrel or receiver. |
| Action type | The action type of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is either side-by-side or over-and-under. | Look at the shotgun to see if the barrels are side-by-side or one on top of the other. |
| Serial number | The serial number of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is typically located on the underside of the barrel. | Look for a number engraved on the underside of the barrel. |
Identifying Ithaca Double Barrel Shotguns by Serial Number (SN)
The serial number (SN) is the most important identifier for an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. It can be used to determine the model, year of manufacture, and other important information.
SN format and location
Ithaca double barrel shotguns have a six-digit serial number. The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, and the last four digits are a sequential number. The serial number is typically located on the underside of the barrel, near the breech.
SN prefixes and their meanings
The first digit of the Ithaca serial number can be used to determine the model of the shotgun. The following table lists the prefixes and their corresponding models:
| Prefix | Model |
|—|—|
| 1 | Model 37 |
| 2 | Model 37 Featherlight |
| 3 | Model 37 Featherlight Deluxe |
| 4 | Model 37 Featherlight Trap |
| 5 | Model 37 Featherlight Skeet |
| 6 | Model 37 Deluxe |
| 7 | Model 37 Trap |
| 8 | Model 37 Skeet |
| 9 | Model 37 Deerslayer |
| 0 | Model 37 Deerslayer Deluxe |
SN dating
The first two digits of the Ithaca serial number represent the year of manufacture. The following table lists the years and corresponding serial number prefixes:
| Year | Prefix |
|—|—|
| 1937 | 1 |
| 1938 | 2 |
| 1939 | 3 |
| 1940 | 4 |
| 1941 | 5 |
| 1942 | 6 |
| 1943 | 7 |
| 1944 | 8 |
| 1945 | 9 |
| 1946 | 0 |
SN variations
There are a few variations in the Ithaca serial number format. Some shotguns have a letter prefix, which indicates the grade of the shotgun. The following table lists the letter prefixes and their corresponding grades:
| Letter | Grade |
|—|—|
| A | Plain |
| B | Fancy |
| C | Deluxe |
| D | Special |
| E | Presentation |
Some shotguns also have a suffix, which indicates the barrel length. The following table lists the suffixes and their corresponding barrel lengths:
| Suffix | Barrel length |
|—|—|
| L | 28 inches |
| M | 30 inches |
| N | 32 inches |
| O | 34 inches |
| P | 36 inches |
| Q | 38 inches |
| R | 40 inches |
| S | 42 inches |
| T | 44 inches |
| U | 46 inches |
| V | 48 inches |
| W | 50 inches |
The Ithaca serial number is a valuable tool for identifying and dating Ithaca double barrel shotguns. By understanding the format, prefixes, and dating of Ithaca serial numbers, you can quickly and easily determine the model, year of manufacture, and other important information about your shotgun.
Identifying Ithaca Double Barrel Shotguns by Features
In addition to the serial number, there are a number of other features that can be used to identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. These features include the barrel length, choke, sights, stock, receiver, and other features.
Barrel length
The barrel length is one of the most important features to consider when identifying an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. The following table lists the standard barrel lengths for Ithaca double barrel shotguns:
| Model | Barrel length |
|—|—|
| Model 37 | 28 inches |
| Model 37 Featherlight | 26 inches |
| Model 37 Featherlight Deluxe | 26 inches |
| Model 37 Featherlight Trap | 28 inches |
| Model 37 Featherlight Skeet | 28 inches |
| Model 37 Deluxe | 30 inches |
| Model 37 Trap | 32 inches |
| Model 37 Skeet | 34 inches |
| Model 37 Deerslayer | 36 inches |
| Model 37 Deerslayer Deluxe | 38 inches |
Choke
The choke is the constriction of
Identifying Ithaca Double Barrel Shotguns by Manufacturer’s Markings
Ithaca double barrel shotguns are manufactured by Ithaca Gun Company, a company that has been in business since 1883. Ithaca shotguns are known for their quality construction and dependability. They are also known for their distinctive styling, which includes a wide variety of engraving and other decorative features.
There are a number of different ways to identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun by its manufacturer’s markings. These markings can be found on a variety of locations on the shotgun, including the barrel, receiver, and stock.
Ithaca logo
The Ithaca logo is one of the most distinctive features of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. The logo is a stylized representation of the letter “I” with a stylized representation of the letter “T” inside it. The logo is usually found on the barrel of the shotgun, but it can also be found on the receiver and stock.
Model name
The model name of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is usually found on the barrel of the shotgun. The model name is usually followed by the gauge of the shotgun. For example, a shotgun with the model name “Model 37” and a gauge of 12 would be called a “Model 37 12 gauge.”
Gauge
The gauge of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is the diameter of the barrel in inches. The gauge is usually found on the barrel of the shotgun, but it can also be found on the receiver and stock.
Other markings
In addition to the Ithaca logo, model name, and gauge, there may be other markings on an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. These markings may include the serial number, the year of manufacture, and the manufacturer’s name.
How to read Ithaca double barrel shotgun markings
The following is a guide to reading Ithaca double barrel shotgun markings:
- The Ithaca logo is a stylized representation of the letter “I” with a stylized representation of the letter “T” inside it.
- The model name of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is usually found on the barrel of the shotgun.
- The gauge of an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is the diameter of the barrel in inches.
- The serial number is a unique number that identifies each shotgun.
- The year of manufacture is the year in which the shotgun was made.
- The manufacturer’s name is the name of the company that manufactured the shotgun.
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun by its manufacturer’s markings. This information can be useful for determining the value of the shotgun, as well as for researching its history.
Identifying Ithaca Double Barrel Shotguns by Other Means
In addition to identifying Ithaca double barrel shotguns by their manufacturer’s markings, there are a number of other ways to identify them. These methods include:
- Research
One of the best ways to identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun is to do some research. There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can help you identify a shotgun. These resources include:
- Manufacturer’s websites
- Gun books
- Gun magazines
- Online forums
- Auction websites
- Consultation with experts
If you are unable to identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun on your own, you can always consult with an expert. Experts can help you identify a shotgun by examining its features and markings. Experts can be found at gun stores, gun shows, and online forums.
- Online resources
There are a number of online resources that can help you identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. These resources include:
- Manufacturer’s websites
- Gun books
- Gun magazines
- Online forums
- Auction websites
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. This information can be useful for determining the value of the shotgun, as well as for researching its history.
How can I tell if my Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 37?
There are a few ways to tell if your Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 37.
- The serial number: The serial number will be located on the underside of the barrel, near the breech. Model 37 shotguns have serial numbers that begin with the letter “I”.
- The barrel markings: The barrel markings will indicate the model number and the year of manufacture. Model 37 shotguns will have the following markings:
- “ITHACA GUN FACTORY”
- “MODEL 37”
- “CARBINE” or “SLUG GUN”
- “20 GAUGE” or “12 GAUGE”
- “2 3/4” or “3”
- “SMOOTH BORE” or “CHOPPED CHOKE”
- “NICKEL” or “BLUED”
- The year of manufacture will be a two-digit number stamped on the barrel, just below the model number.
- The receiver markings: The receiver markings will indicate the manufacturer’s name and address. Model 37 shotguns will have the following markings:
- “ITHACA GUN FACTORY”
- “ITHACA, NEW YORK”
How can I tell if my Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 39?
There are a few ways to tell if your Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 39.
- The serial number: The serial number will be located on the underside of the barrel, near the breech. Model 39 shotguns have serial numbers that begin with the letter “K”.
- The barrel markings: The barrel markings will indicate the model number and the year of manufacture. Model 39 shotguns will have the following markings:
- “ITHACA GUN FACTORY”
- “MODEL 39”
- “CARBINE” or “SLUG GUN”
- “20 GAUGE” or “12 GAUGE”
- “2 3/4” or “3”
- “SMOOTH BORE” or “CHOPPED CHOKE”
- “NICKEL” or “BLUED”
- The year of manufacture will be a two-digit number stamped on the barrel, just below the model number.
- The receiver markings: The receiver markings will indicate the manufacturer’s name and address. Model 39 shotguns will have the following markings:
- “ITHACA GUN FACTORY”
- “ITHACA, NEW YORK”
How can I tell if my Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 49?
There are a few ways to tell if your Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 49.
- The serial number: The serial number will be located on the underside of the barrel, near the breech. Model 49 shotguns have serial numbers that begin with the letter “L”.
- The barrel markings: The barrel markings will indicate the model number and the year of manufacture. Model 49 shotguns will have the following markings:
- “ITHACA GUN FACTORY”
- “MODEL 49”
- “CARBINE” or “SLUG GUN”
- “20 GAUGE” or “12 GAUGE”
- “2 3/4” or “3”
- “SMOOTH BORE” or “CHOPPED CHOKE”
- “NICKEL” or “BLUED”
- The year of manufacture will be a two-digit number stamped on the barrel, just below the model number.
- The receiver markings: The receiver markings will indicate the manufacturer’s name and address. Model 49 shotguns will have the following markings:
- “ITHACA GUN FACTORY”
- “ITHACA, NEW YORK”
How can I tell if my Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 59?
There are a few ways to tell if your Ithaca double barrel shotgun is a model 59.
- The serial number: The serial number will be located on the underside of the barrel, near the breech. Model 59 shotguns have serial numbers that begin with the letter “M”.
- The barrel markings: The barrel markings will indicate the model number and the year of manufacture. Model 59 shotguns will have the following markings:
- “ITHACA GUN FACTORY”
- “MODEL 59”
- “CARBINE” or “SLUG GUN”
- “20 GAUGE
there are a few key things to look for when identifying an Ithaca double barrel shotgun. First, the barrels should be stamped with the Ithaca logo and the model number. Second, the receiver should be stamped with the serial number and the year of manufacture. Third, the stock should be stamped with the Ithaca logo and the model number. Finally, the fore-end should be stamped with the Ithaca logo and the model number. By following these steps, you can easily identify an Ithaca double barrel shotgun and determine its value.
Here are some additional key takeaways from this article:
- Ithaca double barrel shotguns were produced from 1872 to 1989.
- The most common Ithaca double barrel shotguns are the Model 37, Model 49, and Model 51.
- Ithaca double barrel shotguns are valued based on their condition, rarity, and features.
- If you are interested in purchasing an Ithaca double barrel shotgun, it is important to do your research and find a reputable dealer.