This is one of the rarest version of any of the various military trench shotguns that were manufactured for the U.S. Military during World War II. There was only a very small number of original Ithaca trench shotguns manufactured during WWII in a documented serial number range of 61038 to 61856. There was an additionally Ithaca contract let during Vietnam, but they are found in a very high serial number range consistent with the commercial shotguns produced in the 1960s. These WWII shotguns were originally manufactured for use as military guard guns and eventually were used in the Far East as effective weapons during the jungle fighting. This example was probably manufactured circa 1943/44. These can only distinguished by the serial number range and the small Ordnance Bomb proof followed by the Ordnance inspector initials "R.L.B." for Lt. Col Roy Bowlin of the Rochester district. It is correctly serial numbered on the right front edge of the frame and barrel (both matching) and has the short, 6 hole sheet metal handguard. The barrel markings are clearly visible on the left side behind the heat shield. It has a single brass bead sight on the bayonet adaptor. The barrel has the 12 ga-2 3/4 inch chamber markings. The receiver is correctly smooth on the sides with no hunting scenes. It has a plain, oil finished walnut stock with no cartouches and ribbed pump handle. It has the commercial all blued finish. Included is a copy of a 1962 dated U.S. Form 1149-3 stated serial numbers 61003 (this example) and 61005 were release to a Naval Base Police Department in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Excellent, with 98% plus of the original blue finish, showing a number of light scratches, some cycling and high edge wear, and a number of light handling marks. The stock is also excellent, with some dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.