Ithaca serial number question

[jibberjabber]

Ithaca serial number question - Interesting!

Regarding an Ithaca 37 12 gauge pump:

The serial number begins with 38100xxxx - the only time a serial number started with 38xxx was in 1975.

Anyone know why that is?

thanks

Also, what's the a ballpark value?

 

[catnphx]

I found this at Diamond Gunsmithing ...

In 1974, Ithaca tried a design change in the shell stop system, which proved to be faulty. They were reverted back to the original shell stops that year. All these Model 37's had the serial number prefix of 381. Any of these that came to the factory for service were converted back to the original shell stops at no charge.

... and they say the year was 1974 not 1975.

1973 = 371275001 - 371339000
1974 = 381000001 - 381030000
1975 = 371405501 - 371517500

http://www.diamondgunsmithing.com/IGSN/IGSN.html

 

[jibberjabber]

should that afffect value?

Thanks. I'm glad to know that because I was thinking of buying one from Cabela's from their used long gun rack. Now I'm reconsidering.

I wonder if the previous owner(s) sent it back for the fix. Maybe Ithaca would have a record of having performed the conversion?

Taking into consideration that model year's history, is the $519 that Cabela's is asking a little high?

 

[jaguarxk120]

If the wood on the stocks is AAA fancy then it's a good price.

General standard gun, the price is too high.