This is an excellent specimen of one of the rarest of the various World War II trench shotguns that were made for the U.S. military. Reportedly, only 1,422 Ithaca trench shotguns were manufactured on U.S. contract during World War II, in the 57820-61450 serial number range (reference page 132 of Canfield's "Combat Shotguns" book). This lot is accompanied by scanned copies of Ithaca factory records, in which this gun is listed by its serial number 58068 as contained in shipment "case #55" as part of a large shipment of these Ithaca Model 37 trench shotguns listed as sold to Rochester Ordnance District in New York and shipped from the Ithaca factory to the Commanding Officer at Augusta Ordnance Depot in Georgia on July 2, 1942. A later contract for Ithaca Model 37 trench shotguns was given during Vietnam, typically seen with a different finish. This World War II example features a small flaming bomb proof stamp on the left side of the receiver followed by the Ordnance inspector initials "R.L.B." of Col. Roy L. Bowlin, head of the Rochester Ordnance District, commercial type high polish blue finish, the short six-hole sheet metal handguard, and a single brass bead sight on the bayonet adapter. The matching serial number "58068" is marked on the right front surface of the frame, lower right breech area of the barrel, and on the concealed front surface of the buttstock. The barrel has the 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch chamber markings. It has a plain, oil finished walnut stock with no cartouches and a ribbed pump handle. Includes a full 25-count "U.S. PROPERTY" marked box of Winchester brass shell 12 gauge ammunition, and a tan canvas ammunition pouch.

Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish with a few minor cycling marks visible on the magazine tube, and a few minor scratches. Wood is also excellent with a few minor handling marks, tight fitment and distinct edges overall. Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable, excellent example of a rare World War II U.S. Ithaca Model 37 trench shotgun that would be incredibly difficult to improve upon!