Ithaca Trench Gun Serial Numbers

Hi, This is my first post here in Shotgun area. Yesterday I won auction on Ithaca 37.

Observed trench gun serial numbers range from: #61038 to #61856. All known original WWII Model 37 trench guns have the 'RLB' marking on the left side of the receiver So 6 rows is the key. The serial number appears to be a bit early for a 'real' WWII Ithaca M37 Trench Gun. According to Canfield's book the first quantity shipment of M37 Trench Guns was 19 June 1942 of 100 guns SN range from 57800 to 57995 indicated by the invoice.

It will arrive in month, so no pictures yet. What I know: SN: 976xxx should be manufactured in 1967 receiver plain, no engraving, looks like parkerized. Barrel: ~18.5' no front sight Heat shield and bayonet lug mounted (I do not expect it to be original, rather later addition). No military proof marks Flat metal butt plate. I bought it because I have unfulfilled desire to have Trench Gun in my collection.

Those are rare in Europe and priced accordingly. Gun is from the estate sale in Germany. At least number is between order for USN/USMC from May 1966 and contract from 1967. I could not find serial number range for that last small contract other than around 980xxx I have also found information in one of the articles from AmericalRifleman.org 'Ithaca also made a number of essentially identical Model 37 trench guns for the civilian and law enforcement markets that were not stamped with martial markings and were in a higher serial number range.' I am wondering if there were any shotguns in trench gun configuration with 18.5' barrel? Military contracts had 20' barrels. Anyway, if it is somebody's homework I will add swivels and pretend that it is 'true' trench gun.

I would not change it if it is original configuration. How was carried ammunition for trench gun? What should i look for to make complete Vietnam era set? - Springfield bayonet 1917, that i know.

- what kind of ammo pouches/bandolier - what kind of sling I have 'almost original' 1911 made by Norinco and I am negotiating with my wife to get one of M-16A1 in semi-auto made from US Army leftovers in Germany. I'm not familiar with the serial number ranges but based on the fact that you say there is no front bead, I believe your gun barrel may have been cut down, from a longer length.

There were also riot guns made with shorter barrels that did not have heat shield or bayonet lug. All this being said, pulling together a representative 'pretend' display shouldn't be too hard. I think you would be just fine if you wanted to add swivels. You could also look for a reproduction M1907 sling for it-that would look pretty good, I think. You could add this pouch for ammo: research US M1956 load carrying equipment.

That should offer most of what you are looking for. After long delay I have it in my hands, partially striped and cleaned (i did not removed stock and internals, just magazine tube, barrel, heatshield.) I went to the range today and tested if it is working without mounting heatshield. - yes it is working, but safety is not working - i can fire in both positions - time for visit to the gunsmith My big surprise - the barrel is marked 2 3/4' 'Full' I have never seen 18.5' shotgun barrel with full choke I did not noticed this because in my short experience short barrels are always cylinder.