Ithaca Model 37 LAPD 12 GA 28″ 18 1/2″ Engraved Pump Action Shotgun, 1981
SOLD FOR: $2,825
LSB#: 240124JF001
Make: Ithaca
Model: 37 Featherlight, L.A.P.D. Commemorative
Serial Number: LAPD-0607
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of each barrel is marked “L.A.P.D. COMMEMORATIVE / 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®”, the 28″ barrel is also marked “MOD.”. The left of the receiver is marked “CITY OF LOS ANGELES / 200th ANNIVERSARY / 1781 ~ 1981” in gold with gold engravings of Los Angeles city hall over “COMMEMORATIVE” on a banner and the entrance to the LAPD Academy surrounded by scroll relief engraving. The right is marked with the serial number, “LAPD-0607” at the bottom-rear and “TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE” on a gold banner, LAPRAAC, City of Los Angeles and LAPD seals in gold surrounded by scroll relief engraving. The grip cap is decorated with an LAPD officer’s badge.
Barrel Length: This shotgun comes with two (2) barrels. One is 18 1/2” and the other is 28” with a vent rib.
Choke: The 18 1/2” barrel measures Improved Modified, Fixed. The 28” barrel measures Modified, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The 18 1/2” barrel’s front sight is a blade fixed in a serrated and ramped base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. This barrel’s rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to a base fixed to the top rear of the barrel. The 28” barrel’s front sight is a rear-facing white bead fixed to the rib above the muzzle. This barrel’s rib is serrated to help reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood featuring a cylindrical forend, a capped semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a Supreme branded ventilated recoil pad. The wood shows only a few light nicks, dings and some minor handling and storage marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad and 13 1/8” to the wood. The stocks are in Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Gold Plating
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores of both barrels are bright. There is no erosion in either bore. In this writer’s opinion, these bores rate a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light operational wear on the magazine tube. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with a brown hard-sided case with LAPD seal on the cover and a small display plaque.
Our Assessment: The Ithaca 37 has a long history, seeing use by American sportsmen, law enforcement, and military. This is a commemorative shotgun kit ordered and sold through the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club (LAPRAAC), located at the LAPD Academy—home to the handgun ranges built for the 1932 Olympics which were hosted by Los Angeles. The case and gun have survived the last 41 years rather well, appearing to have spent nearly all their time in storage. This commemorative was limited to only 1981 units, making for one heck of a neat rarity! This is also one of those ordered with the optional two-barrel set, having both a 28″ vent-rib barrel and an 18 1/2″ riot barrel with rifle sights. If you are a collector of police, or in particular, LAPD memorabilia, this is a rare opportunity not often seen. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
