Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number Lookup Portable -

If you’ve searched for an , you are likely a current owner, a prospective buyer at a gun show, or a dealer trying to verify a used gun’s vintage without access to a computer or library. This article will serve as your complete portable guide—explaining what those serial numbers mean, how to interpret them without the internet, and why the "portable" aspect of this lookup is more critical than you think. A Brief History: Why the Ithaca 49 is a Collector’s Item Before diving into the lookup process, it’s essential to understand the rifle itself. The Ithaca Model 49 was introduced in 1961 and remained in production until 1978 (some sources cite 1979). It was designed as a youth or entry-level rifle, but its all-steel construction, lever-action appearance, and surprisingly accurate single-shot mechanism made it popular among adults as well.

When Ithaca went out of business in 1978 (and later revived under different ownership), many of the original production records were lost in factory moves, fires, or simply discarded. Unlike Winchester’s detailed ledgers or Colt’s archives, Ithaca’s serialization was inconsistent. ithaca model 49 serial number lookup portable

Example serial number format: 49-12345 or 12345 or S1234 . Based on collector-compiled data from survivor rifles and factory shipping ledgers (partial), here is the best-known breakdown: If you’ve searched for an , you are

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. 1. Non-Sequential Production Ithaca did not always ship rifles in strict numerical order. Some low-numbered rifles were assembled and sold years later. The chart above is an approximation, not a guarantee. 2. Missing Serial Numbers Some very early Model 49s (1961–1962) had the serial number only on the barrel, not the receiver. If the barrel was swapped, the serial number is effectively lost. 3. The "Lever-Action" Confusion Many people mistake the Ithaca 49 for a Winchester 9422 or a Henry. It is not a repeater. This confusion leads to people searching the wrong serial number databases. Dating Without a Serial Number (Alternative Portable Methods) If your Ithaca Model 49 lacks a visible serial number (worn, buffed off, or never present), use these portable feature checkpoints: The Ithaca Model 49 was introduced in 1961

A: No. The modern Ithaca Gun Company (owned by Ithaca Gun Company LLC) does not hold records for original 49s.