ITHACA M37 TRENCH SHOTGUN (FACTORY "S" MARKED) Vietman

[USMC2531]

Hello,

New to this forum, but not new to collecting. GREAT INFORMATION HERE.

I'm pretty lucky to own this original factory "S" marked Ithaca Trench Gun. I can trace it back to the Ithaca Gun Company by the previous owner and I know this "Ol girl" is right as rain given all the fakes out there. I've had Les Hovencamp (Former head gunsmith @ Ithaca Gun) look at it and he said it was in 98% original condition and it still has traces of cosmoline on the receiver.

I have posted this on other forums and from what I understand Vietnam Ithaca Trench guns are in the higher 900,000+ serial number range, but there were a couple hundred factory "S" marked Trench Guns contracted for the United States Air Force. But I know there are other "S" marked Ithaca's maybe they were the riot shotguns.

Anyhow, I've seen various trench gun sale/auctions, but not any like this Ithaca so I curious of approximate value, but in addition to value I'd certainly like to hear any other information/knowledge of this trench gun and the difference between the trench & riot.

Thanks,
Steve

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[USMC2531]

Pictures

[browningautorifle]

Nice looking gun...wish I had one like that. Hang on a minute, you'll get everything you need here.

[USMC2531]

Thanks Jim looking forward to some feedback...Best regards, Steve

[Tom Doniphon]

Assuming your gun's serial number is one of the 200+ trench guns that went to the Air Force (and we know exactly which ones did), then you have a real treasure there. The other S prefix Ithaca shotguns that went to the Military were all riot guns.

Care to divulge any more of the gun's serial number to confirm it is one of the AF guns? Or have you already done this?

[USMC2531]

Hi Tom,

I sent you a PM. I know the previous deceased owner worked for Ithaca Gun Company and he was given this Trench Gun by Ithaca Gun. I'm confident it wasn't a "lunchbox" he was a pretty important guy there. Therefore, I have no idea if this would be one of the 200 made or if they made a few extras for presentation guns. I hope my PM will give you the information you need.

I was able to find an 8 year old expired auction recently where the same shotgun one serial number below mine sold for good money with cracked stock.

Assuming your gun's serial number is one of the 200+ trench guns that went to the Air Force (and we know exactly which ones did), then you have a real treasure there. The other S prefix Ithaca shotguns that went to the Military were all riot guns.

Care to divulge any more of the gun's serial number to confirm it is one of the AF guns? Or have you already done this?

[browningautorifle]

he was given this Trench Gun by Ithaca Gun

That would be very cool...

[sovblocgunfan]

Anyhow, I've seen various trench gun sale/auctions, but not any like this Ithaca so I curious of approximate value, but in addition to value I'd certainly like to hear any other information/knowledge of this trench gun and the difference between the trench & riot.

Really nice shotgun, sir. Love it.

In response to your second question, you probably already know that pump action trench guns are generally characterized as having the heat shield and bayonet lug, where pump action riot guns are simply shotguns with short barrels-usually 20", with CYL bore. The barrels are typically not equipped with attachment points for the trench gun accessories.


Winchester 1897 trench gun:


Winchester 1897 riot gun:


Ithaca 37 riot and trench variants:


See the difference?