1940 Ithaca 37R 12 gauge before and after restoration.
This is the first year of the 37R.
Stock was in need of repair and refinishing. Metal was truly excellent and slick but the finish was rubbed out from honest use in several places and there was an ugly scratch on the receiver.
Thus, a candidate for a full period correct restoration.
Thank you Frank Vallone of Sycamore Hill Designs for masterful work. (I had to check the serial number to be sure he hadn't slipped me a brand new gun!)
Also thank you to Walter Snyder for advice regarding the counterintuitive pre-war finish (highly polished receiver-low gloss barrel)
Interestingly, before restoration the 37R looked awful but took excellent pictures.
Lou
Before:
Two other before (note, the crack in the head went all the way through to the other side)
After:
Before:
After:
Other after:
