Ithaca Model 37 Trench-Style 20″ CYL 12 GA Pump Shotgun & 1917 Bayonet, C&R
SOLD FOR: $5026
LSB#: 220209FH046
Make: Ithaca
Model: 37
Serial Number: 371120712
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (https://ithacagun.com/serial-numbers/)
Gauge: 12 Gauge 2 3/4? Chamber
Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 37-FEATHERLIGHT -12 GA-2 3/4 CHAMBER – PROOF TESTED / ITHACA GUN CO., INC., ITHACA, N.Y. – MADE IN U.S.A. ROTO FORGED” and “CYL”. The right of the barrel and the receiver are marked with Ithaca’s anvil proof mark and the right of the barrel is also marked “1”. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the bottom-rear.
Barrel Length: 20”
Choke: Cylinder Bore
Sights / Optics: There is a bead mounted to the front of the bayonet lug. The barrel is not drilled for a bead underneath.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set with grooved forend, pistol grip, straight comb, serrated black plastic Ithaca buttplate and sling swivel in the belly. The buttstock has a few scattered light nicks, and scuffs with some tiny losses around the front edge of the wrist. The slide handle has only light handling marks. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear, mostly at the heel and toe. The stocks rate in Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: We suspect that the barrel has been refinished. The receiver’s finish appears Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion, but there is some sort of stubborn residue at the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The barrel has light wear from the bayonet lug/heat shield assembly with a few scattered light marks behind. The magazine tube and action bar have light operational wear and there are a couple of light marks on the magazine bracket. The receiver has a few scattered light scuffs and scratches with a spot of more notable wear on the bottom to the left of the trigger guard. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the barrel address is worn. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good-plus condition as partially refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun ejects out the bottom of the receiver. It can be slam-fired. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The installed 6-row, 29-hole Ithaca-style bayonet lug/handguard is included as described. Also included is an M1917 pattern bayonet and scabbard. The guard is marked with a “CA” monogram and “US M1917”. There are no markings on the blade. The blade shows light wear from insertion/removal in the scabbard and has sharp checkering on its black synthetic scales. The scabbard has scattered minor wear.
Our Assessment: The Ithaca 37 enjoys a good reputation for its durability, ambidextrous ejection design, smooth action and of course for being one of few pump shotguns which can be “slam-fired”, meaning that with the trigger depressed, pushing the slide handle forward and locking the action will allow the chambered round to be fired without needing to reset the trigger. In addition to seeing use by bird and deer hunters for generations, the Model 37 has served in WWII, the Vietnam War and in countless law enforcement agencies across the country. This example is in the Trench-Gun style, with a 6-row ventilated handguard/bayonet lug installed. The assembly is proper for an Ithaca Trench-Gun, but we suspect based on the condition of the barrel address marking that the barrel was converted from a longer field-gun barrel to make a correct-looking Trench-style gun, and in this it has succeeded. The included bayonet installs properly, and boy does that make for a great looking piece! The gun is in Very Good-plus condition with the great majority of its parkerized finish remaining, a bright bore, and great mechanics. This would be a great gun for an Ithaca collector or a military shotgun collector as a placeholder for an issued Trench-Gun. If the collectors don’t snap it up, it will still serve as a great defensive shotgun and host for its M1917 bayonet. Please see our photos and good luck!