Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number Lookup Portable Now

For collectors, history buffs, and nostalgic plinkers, few rifles evoke the spirit of mid-20th-century American firearms design quite like the Ithaca Model 49. Commonly known as the "Saddle Gun" due to its likeness to a miniature lever-action rifle, this single-shot .22 caliber firearm holds a unique place in Ithaca Gun Company history. However, unlike mass-produced firearms from Winchester or Remington, dating an Ithaca Model 49 can be surprisingly difficult. Why? Because Ithaca’s original records were partially lost, destroyed, or never transferred to digital formats.

Whether you’re verifying a $350 plinker or a rare $900 smoothbore, the knowledge in this guide transforms you from a casual browser into an informed collector. So grab your Saddle Gun, wipe down that walnut stock, and take pride in owning a rifle whose secrets you can now unlock—portably, and with certainty.

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

A: Generally yes for Ithaca 49, but factory cleanouts sometimes shipped early receivers late. Use feature checkpoints to confirm. Conclusion: Be Your Own Portable Database The Ithaca Model 49 is a charming, robust piece of American firearm history. While the lack of an official digital archive frustrates many, the Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup portable method is a testament to the power of hands-on collecting. By memorizing a few key serial number ranges and physical features, you can confidently date any Model 49 you encounter—no internet, no phone, no problem. For collectors, history buffs, and nostalgic plinkers, few

Ithaca produced over 350,000 Model 49s. Some were made in Ithaca, New York, and later in King Ferry, New York. Variations include barrel lengths (18.5” and 22”), saddle ring carbines, and even commemorative models. Here is the cold, hard truth that any Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup portable attempt must confront: There is no complete, publicly available, digital serial number database from the Ithaca Gun Company.

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. So grab your Saddle Gun, wipe down that

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: