Referring to Mr. Snyder's book, and you may know this already, but that would be a first-year production model as they began in 1940 with the solid rib, the 20 gauge came in only 26in. or 28in. barrel length (12g went up to 32in.), and "the Model 37R in 1940 could be ordered with any of the common choke choices." Wood was handcheckered with a standard "14in. LOP to a hard rubber butt plate." Sold for $51.95 in 1940. That would be the equivalent of $767.74 today (via ConsumerPriceIndex comparison). Mr. Snyder's book also shows a few overlapped advertisements, the top of which indicates "1940" and the second of which indicates the Model 37R. That advert states a price of $51.60, and prices a "Ithaca Recoil Pad" at $2.50 extra. I would suspect such a first-year firearm in that gauge is fairly rare to come up for offer. Jump on it!
All apologies upfront; I don't want to hijack your thread MikeA., but I asked the mods last week (without receiving reply) about simplying showing what Ithaca Guns in Sandusky is doing these days w/ M37's, especially considering many's appreciation for these shotguns and because they'll be producing doubles. So if i could slip in that I can't be happier with a custom ordered 12 gauge M37 received the other week from Sandusky OH. Factory custom stock worked to my needs, 24 lpi, light right-side palm swell, traditional gold bead sight, and a receiver w/ chase hand engraving (plus added fill and sceneing at engraver's discretion) - can't wait to put some shells through it and look to order a custom O/U or SxS when they're ready. Mods please cut or move my reply if it is innappropriate. Good luck with the prospective purchase!
