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LOT 1314
Rare and Highly Desirable World War II U.S. Ithaca Model
37 Slide Action Trench Shotgun - Serial no. 58068, 12 gauge,
20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This is an excellent
specimen of one of the rarest of the various World War II trench
shotguns that were made for the U.S. military. Reportedly, only
1,422 Ithaca trench shotguns were manufactured on U.S.
contract during World War II, in the 57820-61450 serial
number range (reference page 132 of Canfield’s “Combat
Shotguns” book). This lot is accompanied by scanned
copies of Ithaca factory records, in which this gun is listed
by its serial number 58068 as contained in shipment “case
#55” as part of a large shipment of these Ithaca Model
37 trench shotguns listed as sold to Rochester Ordnance
District in New York and shipped from the Ithaca factory
to the Commanding Officer at Augusta Ordnance Depot in
Georgia on July 2, 1942. A later contract for Ithaca Model
37 trench shotguns was given during Vietnam, typically
seen with a different finish. This World War II example
features a small flaming bomb proof stamp on the left side
of the receiver followed by the Ordnance inspector initials
“R.L.B.” of Col. Roy L. Bowlin, head of the Rochester Ordnance
District, commercial type high polish blue finish, the short six-
hole sheet metal handguard, and a single brass bead sight on
the bayonet adapter. The matching serial number “58068” is
marked on the right front surface of the frame and lower right
breech area of the barrel. The barrel has the 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch
chamber markings. It has a plain, oil finished walnut stock with
no cartouches and ribbed pump handle. Includes a full 25-count
“U.S. PROPERTY” marked box of Winchester brass shell 12 gauge
ammunition, and a tan canvas ammunition pouch.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish with
a few minor cycling marks visible on the magazine tube, and a
few minor scratches. Wood is also excellent with a few minor
handling marks, tight fitment and distinct edges overall.
Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable, excellent example
of a rare World War II U.S. Ithaca Model 37 trench shotgun
that would be incredibly difficult to improve upon!
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000
According to "Combat Shotguns" by Bruce
Canfield, only 1,422 Ithaca Model 37 trench
shotguns were manufactured for U.S. Contract.
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