Help with 16ga 37s

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Copper BB
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Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2014 6:39 pm
PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 9:01 pm
I received this shotgun after my dad passed away. I don't know much about it. It shows its a 16 ga model 37s and the serial number on the barrel is 7059. The other on the receiver is S 7059. I would like to know what the S stands for after the 37 and what year it is. Any help would be nice thanks.
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.270 WIN
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Location: phila pa
PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:19 pm
yr of manufacture would be 1938
and the S stands for skeet.

prewar guns are hard to come by
they made about 6500 m37s guns in 38 and less then 500 were skeet models.
it was also the first year that the 16g was made.
despite the name skeet models could be ordered with any choke

Copper BB
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Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2014 6:39 pm
PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:56 pm
Thanks for the info. Well I guess the next thing to do is clean it and shoot it.
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.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 6:22 am
Just be advised that a Pre-War 37S especially in 16ga can be pretty valuable

this one

http://www.gunsinternational.com/Ithaca ... =100194663

is priced a bit on the high side, there have been a few for sale that are not so pricey, but still well over a $1000.00

Do not do anything to alter the original wood finish, the bluing etc.

Take some time to learn more about the gun. Post up some pictures both here and over on Shotgun World in the Ithaca forum

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewforum.php?f=59

sight unseen, you have a reasonably valuable gun

Copper BB
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Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2014 6:39 pm
PostPosted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 5:46 pm
Here are some pics.
Image

Image

Image

Image
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.270 WIN
Posts: 293
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:35 pm
You are very fortunate to be the caretaker of that firearm. Quite the legacy has been given to you.

People that owned Ithaca 37S guns, especially 16's had exquisite taste in firearms.

In the last year of watching the for sale and auction sites. there have been at the most 4 16ga 37S es show up. One is the link above

.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:49 pm
First off let me say I am sorry to hear of your loss. Second thanks for sharing this fine example.

-The 37S gave you a nice wide trap style ventilated rib, the only rib that was available on a 37 at that time. It also gave you a nice beaver tail style fore end vs a smaller round fore end, and a slightly nicer than average stock grain.

-Solid rib guns became available in about '39 or so and while still a rib, not quite as nice as the trap style.

-My advise, take it apart if you are handy, or take it to a smith for a good cleaning followed by a light oiling. Shoot it, enjoy it, pass it on to another generation when the time is right.

.270 WIN
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Location: S.E. Va. CSA
PostPosted: Sat May 03, 2014 3:04 pm
fm600 welcome aboard. Like 77says sorry for your loss.

Your gun is a beauty.

Something else to help you can check the barrel it should have the Ithaca markings ,patent number and the model designation 37-S. The forearm checkering is also the prewar style. This style forearm checkering was used postwar then the checkering style changed although not very much.

In the more information department in 1941 the 37-S has a special serial number block numbers starting with 80000 and was discontinued in 1953 ending with 84399.

Thank you for sharing with us.

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