LAPD Ithaca 37 Featherlight D.S. Police Special 12 Ga CYL 18″ Pump -Shotgun

Sold for $4145.40

Make: Ithaca

Model: 37 Featherlight, D.S. Police Special, LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) issue

Serial#: 70-0141

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1975-2000

Gauge: 12 Gauge, Chambered for 2.75” Shells

Action Type: Pump-Action Shotgun fed by a Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “D.S. POLICE SPECIAL” above “MODEL 37-FEATHERLIGHT®- 12 GA – 2 3/4 CHAMBER – PROOF TESTED / ITHACA GUN CO., INC., ITHACA, N.Y. – MADE IN U.S.A.” with “ROTO” ahead of an anvil and “FORGED®” behind it. The right side of the barrel has an anvil. THe left side of the frame is marked “LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number “70-0141” and an anvil. The butt-pad is marked “ITHACA”.

Barrel Length: 18”

Sights/ Optics: There is a red fiber-optic blade fixed to a serrated base above the muzzle. Also, there is a square-notch dovetailed to a base near the rear of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is two-piece wood featuring a corn-cob style forend, a checkered semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a reddish brown butt-pad. There is a sling stud fixed just ahead of the magazine and one on the belly. There are a few small holes at the bottom of the grip. The stock has light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is a light scrape near the comb on the left side of the butt. The LOP is 14” from the trigger to the rear of the butt-pad. The butt-pad is discolored and has some light handling marks. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with some light erosion.

Overall Condition: The shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are scattered light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is routine wear on the magazine and light wear along the leading edges. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the shotgun is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Ithaca 37 was designed by the company to compete with the Winchester Model 12. The gun was based on one of John Browning’s patents which was used to create the Remington Model 17, the patent did not expire until 1932 which delayed the shotgun’s introduction. Remington discontinued the Model 17 in 1933 which finally allowed Ithaca to move forward with their project. Since the Model 17 had improvements made to it which were also held by a patent owned by Remington, they were designed by John Pederson, until 1936 the project was further delayed. Finally, the Remington patents expired and Ithaca applied patented improvements made by Harry Howland. The new shotgun was finally released in 1937, hence the designation Model 37. The Model 37 proved an extremely successful shotgun, and was eventually even adopted for use by the U.S. military and numerous law enforcement agencies. The gun was called the Featherlight when it was introduced, although its weight was not significantly lighter than most other shotguns.

Ithaca 37s made prior to 1975 were configured in a manner that allowed them to be slam fired, this gun lacks such capabilities and was most likely made after that date. The gun was made specifically for police service and was used by the LAPD. The shotgun has some light wear but it remains mechanically sound and should prove a fun addition to any collection. Good luck on your bid!