Guns International #: 101258282
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Guns International #: 101258282
Category - Ithaca Shotguns
- Ithaca Shotguns - Model 37
Seller's Information
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Seller: ZEBRA
Member Since: 7/22/07
State:
Michigan
Country: United States
Phone: (517) 924-0236
Active Listings: 0
Total Listings: 107
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: CERTIFIED CHECK, MONEY ORDER WIRE TRANSFER
SUPER RARE 1 OF 3 ITHACA 20 GAGE DOLLAR GRADES EVER BUILT BY ITHACA 1952 37R
Description: I am 81 years old, and have collected fine guns for over 50 years. I have owned many very rare firearms, and I was once offered 10 free tables, right at the entrance, of one of the country's largest gun shows, if I would only display my collection, at the show. Unfortunately, I was still working, at the time, and could not go. I have always wished I could have gone. The most favorite guns, in my entire collection. were my High Grade Ithaca shotguns. Among the many high grade Ithaca shotguns I have owned, was a 99% Knick Grade 6 SBT (only 3 made); a 98% Sousa Double barrel Trap Gun; all grades of Knick Single Barrel Trap guns, Flues and Knick; more than one Dollar Grade Single Barrel Trap gun; Keith Houtling's personal Model 37 Custom High Grade, built from parts, by himself; an original 10 gauge 3 1/2 inch magnum double barrel; and many various doubles, single barrels and pumps, too numerous to mention here. However, the Exhibition Grade Quality. of the 1952 Ithaca Model 37R, being offered in this listing, tops them all, for mystery and beauty. Originally, I thought this gun, was one of three Dollar Grade Model 37 20 Gauge pumps made by Ithaca, and listed it as such. However, it appears to be of an even higher quality, which now leads me to believe, that it could be a one of a kind, rare Spectal Order work of art. I have spent many hours researching and thinking about this fine firearm. I used to have a world class collection of fine firearms. After 50 years, I have learned to trust my knowledge and instincts. I realize Ithaca did not make an Exhibition Grade. That is not what I am saying. What I am saying, is that this gun is of "Exhibition Grade Quality," so regardless of its unknown history, this is one of the most beautiful Ithaca Model 37 shotguns in existance. It will take a position of honor, in any collection. To make this outstanding gun more available to more people, I will consider accepting installment payments on this gun, with a proper down payment. Here is what I believe about this gun: 1. This gun is absolutely gorgeous. 2. The metal appears to be in original 99% condition, showing very little use. Clearly showing gun is not an upgrade, as it would show signs of refinishing and rebluing. 3. The gun appears to never been refinished, indicating it left the factory in 1952 like this. 4. Engraving appears to have been done by Ithaca engraver Bill McGraw, and not by an after market engraver. 5. The inlays are whie gold, which was very popular in the United States in 1952. (Jewler inspected) 6. The wood is outstanding Exhibition Grade quality. However, I can not authenticate the stock. I do not know if the wood came from Ithaca, or not, only that the quality of the wood, and the quality of the hand checkering, are both of Exhibition Grade quality, and thus match the quality of the engraving work done on the metal, which I believe to have been done by Bill McGraw, Ithaca's top engraver. 7. I do have a question about the Ithaca "Sunburst" rubber recoil pad. I do not know if the design is correct for 1952. I believe this gun could have been originally special ordered for a woman, and then the LOP lengthened, by adding an Ithaca "Sunburst" rubber recoil pad, by a later owner. 8. I do have a question about the grip cap. I do not recognize the design. 9. This gun appears to have only been seldom used over it's lifetime. 10. The grip cap has the initials of a previous owner engraved in elaborate "Old English" lettering, and I do not know what letters they represent. They are very fancy, so could be original to the gun, or could have been added by a later owner. This gun is highly engraved on both sides of the receiver; both sides of the barrel; both sides of the magazine tube; the slide and the trigger guard. The bottom of the trigger guard is highly engraved, and the three initials are in old English lettering, and my old eyes can not discern the letters. All engraving is elaborate and very sharp. There are no signs of polishing, or fading, so I believe this gun has never been re-blued, and that all engraving is original to the gun in 1952. This gun is gorgeous. It is in superb 99% condition, and I believe it has never been re-blued or refinished. There are no imperfections, scratches, cracks or chips. It appears to be in 99% original condition with only slight loss of finish at the high points on the receiver, which would be expected on a 67 year old 1952 Model 37 pump shotgun. Even the Ithaca "Sunburst" pad shows only slight use. The multiple inlays are in white gold. White Gold was very popular with women in the early 1950's. This theory, could also explain the choice of a 20 gauge and installed Ithaca pad, all of which, contribute to lighter recoil. Men tended to order 12 gauge guns, with butt plates and yellow gold inlays, and were generally not concerned with recoil. However, many men love a 20 gauge. Whoever, bought this gun originally, was a person of means. Maybe, it was a gift to a loved one? Most likely, we will never know. However, it is fun to speculate. While I do not know for sure, that this gun was originally orfered for a woman, the features of the gun, fit my theory, right down to the Ithaca rubber pad. This gun is a gorgeous American-made firearm. It is in outstanding condition. It can be yours. If you can not afford this fantastic high grade 20 Gauge right now, I may be willing to consider installment payments Shipping, to your receiving FFL dealer, will be $100. I follow all FFL rules on the sale of guns. This gun will have to be shipped to a current FFL dealer, for the buyer to go, to receive it. If you have any questions about the shotgun, or just want to talk, my phone number is 906-884-2000. Please call between 11 AM and 11PM EST. Our answering machine is not reliable, so if you leave a message, and we do not get back to you promptly, call again, until you reach us.? SOLD Curio/Relic: Yes Manufacturer: Ithaca Gun Co. Model: 37R Solid Rib Serial Number: 501xxx Caliber Info: 20 Gauge Chambers: Modified Choke Condition: OUTSTANDING Metal Condition: 99% Wood Condition: 99% Bore Condition: 99% Barrels: 28 INCH Barrel Type: SOLID RIB Action: PUMP Triggers: SINGLE Gauge Info: 20 Gauge Stock: HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM CHECKERED WALNUT Stock Dimensions: NORMAL 14" LOP Fore End: HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM CHECKERED WALNUT Butt Pad: ITHACA FACTORY PAD LOP: 14 INCH Rib: SOLID Finish: ORIGINAL Sights: FRONT METAL BEAD Manufacture Date: 1952 Chokes: MODIFIED Engraving: 1952 DOLLAR GRADE by BILL McGRAW Item Location: Ontonagon, Michigan |
Guns International #: 101258282
Guns International #: 101258282