What is the age of an Ithaca M-49 serial 490502048?

Answer 1

YEAR OF MANUFACTURE OF A ITHACA 49 RIFLEThe Ithaca Model 49 Single Shot Lever Action rifle was marketed from 1961 to 1978. I have a December 1961 "Guns" Magazine that has a new products section and one item listed as a new product, "Just in time for Christmas," was the Ithaca Model 49 selling for $19.95 and, of course, aimed at the boy's market. I have two Ithaca 49s that I just bought two days ago. They are serial numbered 246xxx and 277xxx (following standard practice the last digits of the serial numbers are kept secret to prevent any scams)so I am of the opinion that one in the 400,000 serial number range is a later one. I have found a person on the internet who is a gunsmith in Ithaca, New York and was a gunsmith for the Ithaca Gun Company for 28 years and advertises to help with telling you the year your Ithaca gun was made if you send him the model and serial number of the Ithaca Gun. I can't think of his web site name but if you use the key words "Ithaca Gun Repair" it will probably come up. Coincidentally, I just emailed him with my serial numbers yesterday, March 12, so I have not heard from him yet. I also want to add that his emphasis is on the Ithaca Shotguns, for which they are somewhat famous, so I am not sure if he has information on the Ithaca 49 rifle. I will also add that the Ithaca 49 was made in Germany by Erma Werke and the wood stock and forearm were reportedly put on in the USA. I guess that is why Ithaca could put on the gun, "Made in USA." Note that the frame of the Model 49 is made of anodized aluminum, not blued steel, so if you think it looks different that is the reason. It appears the lever and the front sight are also aluminum. In my opinion the Model 49 is a wonderful little gun. Moe Wadle 3-13-06

The Model 49 was made in the by Ithaca. The follow-up Model 72 was made in Germany by Erma Werke and then the wood was put on by Ithaca. The Model 72 is a much better made rifle than the alloy cast Model 49 was. The gunsmith you mention is Les Hovencamp, just google Diamond Gunsmithing and you will reach his website. He does not list the serial numbers for the Model 49's or 72's though. Walt Snyder who wrote the 2 books on Ithaca guns was working on a 3rd book addressing the serial numbers for those models and also the Model 66 single shot shotgun among others, but to date that hasn't been completed. L. DeBerry 11-4-11