Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number Lookup: A Comprehensive Guide to Portable Shotguns
The Ithaca Model 49 is a popular portable shotgun known for its reliability, durability, and versatility. Manufactured by Ithaca Gun Company, Inc. from 1961 to 1978, this firearm has gained a loyal following among hunters, sport shooters, and collectors. One of the most critical aspects of owning an Ithaca Model 49 is understanding its serial number and the significance it holds. In this article, we will explore the world of Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup, providing you with a comprehensive guide to tracing the history of your portable shotgun.
History of the Ithaca Model 49
The Ithaca Model 49 was introduced in 1961 as a more affordable and lightweight alternative to traditional shotguns. Its design was influenced by the Remington Model 11, but with some notable improvements. The Model 49 featured a rugged, reliable, and easy-to-use design, making it an instant hit among outdoor enthusiasts. Over the years, the Model 49 underwent several design changes, including updates to the receiver, barrel, and stock.
Why is Serial Number Lookup Important?
The serial number of your Ithaca Model 49 is more than just a series of numbers; it holds the key to the firearm's history. By performing a serial number lookup, you can:
How to Perform an Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number Lookup
There are several ways to perform an Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup:
Decoding Ithaca Model 49 Serial Numbers
Ithaca Model 49 serial numbers typically consist of a combination of letters and numbers. The serial number is usually stamped on the receiver or barrel. Here's a breakdown of the serial number format:
Keep in mind that Ithaca Gun Company used various serial number formats throughout the Model 49's production run. Consult a reliable source or expert if you're unsure about your firearm's serial number.
Portability and Versatility: The Ithaca Model 49's Design
The Ithaca Model 49's portability and versatility are key factors in its enduring popularity. This shotgun features:
These design features make the Ithaca Model 49 an ideal choice for hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
Conclusion
The Ithaca Model 49 is a legendary portable shotgun with a rich history and loyal following. By performing a serial number lookup, you can unlock the secrets of your firearm's past, including its production date, original configuration, and historical significance. Whether you're a collector, hunter, or sport shooter, understanding your Ithaca Model 49's serial number is essential to appreciating its value and heritage.
Additional Resources
For further information on Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup and the firearm's history, we recommend:
By exploring these resources and performing a serial number lookup, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for your Ithaca Model 49 and its place in firearms history.
Unlike modern firearms where a serial number can often be traced to a specific year of manufacture via a manufacturer's database, Ithaca Gun Company records from the Model 49 era (1959–1966) are fragmented.
Ithaca did not maintain a public-facing, date-specific serial number database like Remington or Winchester. Therefore, you cannot simply type your serial number into a website to find the exact day it was made. Dating relies on feature identification rather than serial number math.
Record the exact number. It will likely be a 4, 5, or 6-digit number (e.g., 12345 or 108756). Note any letter prefixes (uncommon for Model 49).
The single most important fact about the Ithaca Model 49 is that Ithaca did not consistently serialize all examples of this model. ithaca model 49 serial number lookup portable
Conclusion: Before you attempt a lookup, check your rifle thoroughly. No serial number means no lookup is possible via records; you must rely on physical features (see Section 4).
The Ithaca Model 49 is a classic example of a "working class" .22 rifle that was never intended to be meticulously tracked by historians. The lack of a reliable serial number lookup system does not diminish its value or charm—it simply means that dating one requires a combination of physical observation and accepting approximation. If you own a non-serialized Model 49, you can confidently say it is from 1962–1968. If you have a serial number in the 150,000 range, it is likely a mid-1970s rifle.
For absolute precision, the only portable tool you need is a good reference book or a saved PDF of known serial number ranges—because no online database will give you a definitive answer.
Dating an Ithaca Model 49 "Saddle Gun" can be tricky because production spanned roughly 1961 to 1979, and serialization was inconsistent before the Gun Control Act of 1968 . Quick Serial Number Reference
Pre-1968 Models: Many Ithaca 49s produced before 1968 do not have serial numbers at all .
Post-1968 Models: These usually feature a serial number starting with the prefix 49 .
Example Formats: You may see numbers like 490440838 or 156516 . How to Find Your Serial Number
On the Model 49, you will typically find the number stamped on the left side of the alloy receiver . If it is not there, check the barrel or the bottom of the receiver . Online Lookup & Records
Because Ithaca's historical records have gaps, there isn't a single "instant" online lookup tool specifically for the Model 49. However, you can use these resources to narrow it down:
Official Serial Lists: The Ithaca Gun Company Serial Numbers page provides broad ranges for various models, though it primarily focuses on shotguns like the Model 37 .
Historical Databases: Firearms Guide maintains a searchable database for Ithaca firearms manufactured between 1880 and 1986 .
Factory Letters: For a definitive history of your specific rifle, you can order a search or a formal letter from the Cody Firearms Records Office, which holds Ithaca's factory ledgers . Identification Tips
If you can't find a serial number, look for these design changes to estimate the age:
Early Models: Often featured walnut stocks and folding buckhorn rear sights .
Later Models: Transitioned to hardwood stocks (like elm or birch) and simplified flat-top rear sights .
Canadian Production: Some units were assembled at a plant in Dunnville, Ontario, which may be indicated on the barrel stamping .
Do you have a specific serial number you’d like me to try and cross-reference for you? Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.
The Ithaca Model 49 "Saddle Gun" was an iconic .22 caliber rimfire rifle produced between 1961 and 1979. While it is a beloved "first rifle" for many, tracking its specific age via serial number can be challenging due to the lack of comprehensive public records for this specific model. Serial Number Location & Format
Location: The serial number is typically located on the bottom of the receiver or on the side of the receiver near the lever.
Format: Many Model 49 serial numbers begin with the prefix "49".
Pre-1968 Models: Firearms manufactured before the Gun Control Act of 1968 were not legally required to have serial numbers; consequently, many early Model 49s may have no serialization at all. Manufacturing Eras (1961–1979)
Since precise year-by-year serial number tables for the Model 49 are largely unavailable, collectors often date them by physical characteristics: Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number Lookup: A Comprehensive
Early Production (1961–Late 1960s): Often featured walnut stocks and a folding buckhorn rear sight. These early units are more likely to lack serial numbers.
Later Production (1970s): Switched to hardwoods like elm or birch with pressed checkering. The rear sight was often changed to a simpler flat-top version.
Model 49R (Repeater): Produced roughly from 1961 to 1978, this version used a tube magazine rather than the single-shot falling block action of the standard Model 49. Where to Look Up Information
Because Ithaca changed ownership several times, factory records are fragmented. For official verification, you can contact the following: Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.
Ithaca Model 49 "Saddlegun" was produced between 1960 and 1979
. While exact serial number databases for this specific model are notoriously difficult to find due to record gaps, you can determine its general age using the following production history and identification markers. Quick Production Timeline 1960–1968: Most early models were not serialized
. This is because the Gun Control Act of 1968 had not yet mandated serial numbers for all firearms. 1969–1979:
Models produced after 1968 will have a serial number, typically starting with the prefix 1976 & 1978:
There was no recorded production of certain Ithaca lines during these years. Ithaca Gun Company Identifying Your Model 49 Description Action Type Martini-style "falling block" single-shot. .22 Short, Long, Long Rifle, or .22 Magnum. Barrel Length Standard 18 or 18.5 inches.
Designed to look like a Winchester lever-action repeater, including a faux magazine tube. Specific Serial Examples & Records Recorded Serial Numbers: Users have documented numbers such as (.22 Mag) and (.22 Cal) in various valuation records. Official Search:
For a definitive history of your specific firearm, you can request an official Factory Search Factory Letter Cody Firearms Records Office
, which holds Ithaca records from 1886 through the mid-1980s. Manuals & Care: If you need to perform maintenance, consult the Ithaca 49 Take Down Manual for disassembly steps. Buffalo Bill Center of the West Estimated Values Based on historical bluebook data, a standard Model 49 in condition is typically valued between $110–$145
model (featuring a gold-plated trigger and hammer) can command a 20% premium JustAnswer Do you have a specific serial number you'd like to check against these production markers? Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.
The Ithaca Model 49 Saddlegun, produced between 1961 and 1978, is a classic single-shot .22 caliber rifle that remains a favorite for collectors and new shooters alike. Tracking its history through serial numbers can be complex, as record-keeping for this specific model is less centralized than for Ithaca's famous shotguns. Locating and Interpreting the Serial Number
For most Ithaca Model 49 rifles, the serial number is located on the left side of the receiver. However, it is important to note that rifles manufactured prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968 were often not serialized.
Prefix Identification: Many Model 49 serial numbers begin with the digits "49" (e.g., 490xxxxxx).
Format: Later models may feature a longer string of digits, such as "490328869" or "490440838," typically found on the alloy receiver.
Magnum Models: Specific variations like the .22 Magnum (WMR) often fall within distinct numerical ranges, such as the 156,000 series. Determining Manufacture Date
Unlike many modern firearms, there is no automated "portable" online database that provides an instant date for every Ithaca Model 49. Instead, researchers rely on a combination of factory records and physical characteristics:
Official Records: The Cody Firearms Records Office holds the most comprehensive set of Ithaca factory ledgers, though availability for the Model 49 can be hit-or-miss. Physical Evolution:
Early Models (1961–mid-60s): Often featured walnut stocks and folding buckhorn rear sights.
Later Models: Transitioned to hardwood (elm or birch) and simplified flat-top rear sights. Verify authenticity : Ensure that your Ithaca Model
Bicentennial Edition: A limited "St. Louis" bicentennial model was produced around 1976. Key Specifications & Action
The Model 49 is known for its Martini-style falling block action, which is operated by a lever that resembles a traditional Winchester repeater. Despite the "magazine tube" under the barrel, it is a single-shot rifle; the tube is purely aesthetic to give it a "Western" look. Because the receiver is made of a zinc-aluminum alloy, it is highly recommended to avoid frequent disassembly, as the soft material can wear easily at the pin locations.
For a formal verification of a specific serial number, contacting the Ithaca Gun Company or the Cody Firearms Museum is the most reliable method for collectors. Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.
Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number Lookup: A Complete Guide Locating and identifying the serial number on an Ithaca Model 49 "Saddlegun
" is the first step in uncovering its manufacturing history and ensuring its legal status. Produced between 1961 and 1979, these rifles are iconic entry-level .22 caliber rimfire firearms designed with a classic Western aesthetic. Where to Find the Serial Number Ithaca Model 49
, the serial number is typically stamped into the left front side of the action case, positioned parallel to the barrel and just forward of the trigger.
Format: Depending on the age of the rifle, the serial number may be 6 digits or 9 digits long.
Missing Numbers: If you cannot find a serial number, the rifle may have been manufactured before the Gun Control Act of 1968, as earlier models (around 1962) often did not have them. Dating Your Ithaca Model 49
The Model 49 used different serialization sequences throughout its production life, often shifting due to changes in federal law.
Pre-1969 Production: Early serial numbers for variants like the Model 49R (repeater) began with 100000.
Post-1969 Production: After the 1968 gun law took effect, a new 9-digit sequence was established starting with 500121000 on January 1, 1969. Example Lookup: SN 103163: The 3,163rd gun of the first series.
SN 500122729: The 1,729th gun made under the newer 9-digit sequence. Production Volume (Estimated) By year-end 1968 8,947 guns shipped During 1969 17,026 guns shipped During 1970 6,031 guns shipped During 1971 5,258 guns shipped Key Model Variations
The "Saddlegun" was available in several configurations that may impact its serial number range or collectible value:
Standard Model: The core single-shot lever-action rifle, produced through 1978. Model 49R: A repeating version with a tubular magazine.
Deluxe/Presentation Models: Featured gold-plated hammers and triggers; the Presentation model was discontinued around 1973.
Sears "Ted Williams" Version: Many Model 49s were sold through Sears, Roebuck Co. and bear the "Ted Williams" mark but generally follow regular serial number sequences. Resources for Official Research
If you need definitive documentation for valuation or historical purposes, you can contact the Cody Firearms Records Office, which houses many original Ithaca Gun Company records.
For those looking for a quick reference on other Ithaca models, the Official Ithaca Gun Co. Serial Number Table provides broader ranges for their historical lineup. Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.
The keyword "Ithaca model 49 serial number lookup portable" likely originates from the practical need to verify a rifle’s age where Wi-Fi and cell service are absent. Gun shows, flea markets, and rural estate auctions are notorious for having poor connectivity. Carrying a printed serial number chart or having these ranges memorized gives you the upper hand in negotiation.
A seller might claim a Model 49 is a “rare first year” when the serial number (e.g., 49850) actually places it in 1965. Conversely, a late-model rifle with a very low serial number might indicate a restamp or a parts gun.
While we cannot date the gun by the number, the serial number placement tells us about the gun's originality: