Make: Ithaca

Model: 37 Featherlight, D.S. Police Special

Serial Number: 861973

Year of Manufacture: 1963

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 20”

Choke: Full, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead threaded to the hole that was used to mount the original front rifle-sight. The quarter rib on the rear of the barrel was removed and the slot has been filled.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with grooved slide handle, checkered pistol grip with Ithaca grip cap, straight comb, and a checkered black plastic Ithaca buttplate. There is a sling stud in the belly. The stocks have some light nicks and scratches. There are a couple of short cracks in the bottom of the wrist. The LOP measures 14 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There are some streaks of persistent fouling but no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The receiver has mostly gone to a light patina. There is scattered minor surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam-fire. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Ithaca 37 was designed by the company to compete with the Winchester Model 12. The gun was based on one of John Browning’s patents which was used to create the Remington Model 17, the patent did not expire until 1932 which delayed the shotgun’s introduction. Remington discontinued the Model 17 in 1933 which finally allowed Ithaca to move forward with their project. The new shotgun was finally released in 1937, hence the designation Model 37. The Model 37 proved an extremely successful shotgun, and was eventually even adopted for use by the U.S. military and numerous law enforcement agencies. This example is the D.S. (Deer Slayer) Police Special, in a Riot configuration with a 20" barrel. Interesting for a Riot gun, it is fixed Full choke. Originally equipped with rifle-sights, the sights were removed and a brass bead installed on the barrel. The gun shows wear consistent with its age, but retains a good bore and strong mechanics. This will make for a neat shotgun to add to any collection. Good luck on your bid!