I have an old 22cal Ithaca Gun Co lever action cocking hammer with a very short barrel. The serial number is 490449352 can anyone tell me when it was made and if it has any monetary value?

Answer 1

"The same serial number can be replicated over several models of firearms. Serial number alone tells nothing as far as what model you have.

I am guessing that you have one of Ithacas old 22 caliber saddle guns /. production ended in the mid 1960's, IIRC."

It sounds to me like a model 49 (it should say on the barrel end closest to the trigger) Ithaca Gun Co. .22 saddle rifle as stated already. Production of these guns started in 1961 and ended in the late 60's or late 70's (I've heard 1979 from one source). As far as monetary value goes, they are not extremely valuable. In excellent condition they can sell for $150-$200 to the right buyer. Unfortunately, most people won't pay that much for it. Most buyers will buy this gun for nostalgic reasons for the fact that many of these guns were used by young boys growing up.

It is a Model 49 given that the serial number begins with 49 and also indicates it was one of the later rifles made in the 70's. Early models do not begin with 49. They were mfg by Ithaca from 1962 thru 78 according to the catalogs I have. I've seen them as high as $250 recently at shows in VG condition. Ithaca also made a .22 Mag version which is marked on the barrel and they also put a white spacer between the stock and butt plate. But make sure the barrel is marked .22 Magnum to be certain.