1089

RARE, DOCUMENTED WWII ITHACA MODEL 37 TRENCH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
RARE, DOCUMENTED WWII ITHACA MODEL 37 TRENCH
SHOTGUN WITH COPY OF SHIPPING RECORD TO THE AUGUSTA ORDNANCE DEPOT. Cal. 12 Ga. S# 61305. Bbl. 20" cyl. According to Bruce Canfield in "COMBAT SHOTGUNS" on pages 132 & 133, only 1,422 of these trench guns were mfg in the serial number range 57,820-61,450, making these the rarest and most desirable WWII trench guns in existence. Metal parts finished in high polish commercial quality blue. Top left side of receiver marked "RLB" with flaming bomb. Left side of bbl. at breech end has "P" proof. Smooth walnut pistol grip stock & grooved slide handle; head of stock marked with matching S#. Black plastic buttplate marked "ITHACA GUN CO INC". Rear swivel inletted into bottom of stock, front swivel attached to bayonet lug. 6 row sheet metal handguard / bayonet lug assembly is a correct style replacement, lacking hole at rear of lug. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of Ithaca Gun Co. shipping record order # 2061 as being sold to the Rochester Ordnance District and shipped to the Commanding Officer of the Augusta Ordnance Depot on July 3, 1942 with this gun listed by S#. CONDITION. bbl. & receiver retain 75% original high polish blue with high point wear, scratches & scattered areas or peppery surface oxidation, one 1" area of thinning / missing finish on left lower side of receiver at rear. Replacement heat shield retains 97% blued finish. screws do not recess flush with metal. Stock set shows scattered light to moderate handling marks, scratches & impressions. There is a 6" thin scratch running from right side nose of comb rearward. Right side of toe has area of removed finish with unknown SSN lightly scratched in. Right side of stock has 1-7/8" crack extending rearward from receiver. Left side has similar 7/8" crack. Bright, shiny bore. Mechanically excellent. (25-1663/BH). CURIO. $8,000-12,000