Ithaca Model 37R Featherlight 16 Gauge Pump-Action, Solid Rib, 26 Inch Barrel, Factory Game-Scene Engraving (1940)
This 1940 Ithaca Model 37R Featherlight is the solid-rib 16-gauge variant built in the pre-WWII era, notable for its factory roll-engraved game scenes and bottom-eject design. It carries a 26-inch solid, matted rib barrel with a front bead and a 2 3/4 inch chamber. An external adjustable choke device is fitted at the muzzle, and an Ithaca-marked ventilated recoil pad is installed. The combination of early production, factory engraving, and solid-rib configuration makes this an identifiable Model 37R example.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: Widespread scratches and blemishing are present. Spots of pitting are scattered across the bluing. Large pieces of stock are missing behind the trigger guard. The bore is clean with minor blemishing.
What's Included
- Ithaca Model 37R Featherlight 16 Gauge pump-action shotgun
- External adjustable choke device installed at the muzzle
- Ithaca-marked ventilated recoil pad installed
The 37R designation identifies the solid-rib variant tracked in Ithaca’s Type Solid Rib serial block. Built in 1940 in the United States with a steel receiver, this Featherlight features factory roll-engraved hunting scenes depicting a pointing dog with flushing birds.
The 26-inch barrel has a solid, matted rib with a front bead. Barrel markings read: "ITHACA GUN CO., INC. ITHACA, N.Y. PATENT NO. 1849982 – MODEL–37R – 16 GA.
2¾ CHAMBER." It is chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells, and the external adjustable choke at the muzzle shows "UP" on the collar.
The receiver is bottom-ejecting and bottom-loading, with the action bar release located ahead of the trigger guard. Capacity is stated as 2+1. Patent No. 1,849,982 referenced on the barrel relates to Ithaca’s repeater mechanism improvements.
Furniture includes a slender, checkered forend with a diamond pattern and a pistol-grip stock capped with a black grip cap. An Ithaca-marked ventilated recoil pad is installed, and the length of pull measures 14.0 inches.