Lot 225

Rare World War II U.S. Ithaca Model 37 Trench Shotgun

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Rare World War II U.S. Ithaca Model 37 Trench Shotgun

Estimate: $9,000 - $14,000

Starting Bid: $8,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare and Highly Desirable World War II U.S. Ithaca Model 37 Slide Action Trench Shotgun Only 1,422 Ithaca Model 37 trench shotguns were manufactured c. 1942 on U.S. contract during World War II per page 132 of "Complete Guide to United States Military Combat Shotguns" by Bruce Canfield. Although the aforementioned book specifies a serial range slightly above this example it has the appearance of a period trench shotgun and is wearing a World War II era Stevens "S" marked bayonet adapter/heat shield assembly, the commercial type scenery on the receiver with U.S. inspection markings, and checkered walnut furniture. This is a solid representative of one of the rarest of the various World War II trench shotguns that were made for the U.S. military. A later contract for Ithaca Model 37 trench shotguns was given during Vietnam, typically seen with a different finish. This World War II era example features a commercial type high polish blue finish, a flaming bomb proof stamp on the left side of the receiver followed by the Ordnance inspector initials "R.L.B" of Col. Roy L. Bowlin, head of the Rochester Ordnance District, and "U.S", the short six-hole sheet metal handguard, and a single brass bead sight on the bayonet adapter. The matching serial number "51010" is marked on the right front surface of the frame and lower right breech area of the barrel, and non-matching "51030" is stamped on the concealed front surface of the buttstock. The barrel has the 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch chamber markings, and the choke measures cylinder. It has a checkered oil finished walnut stock with no cartouches and a checkered pump handle. Length of pull measures at 14 inches. Fitted with an olive drab green canvas web sling.

Manufacturer: Ithaca Gun Co

Model: 37

BBL: 20 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 12

Finish: blue

Serial Number51010

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Fine, retains 75% original blue finish, with some cycling wear and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some light pitting, and crisp markings. The wood is very good, with scratches, dents, a few chips and minor cracks, a small crack in the toe of the buttplate, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. These Ithaca Model 37s are the rarest of the World War II issued trench shotguns and this example would make a fine addition to any U.S. military collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000