The current Ithaca Gun Company (now based in Upper Sandusky, Ohio) is a separate entity from the original Ithaca, NY, company. They do not have comprehensive historical records for Model 49s. They may offer a letter of authenticity for a fee, but do not guarantee a specific ship date.
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.
If you’ve searched for an Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup portable, 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. ithaca model 49 serial number lookup portable
Q: Is the Ithaca Model 49 a lever-action?
A: No. It is a single-shot falling-block with a non-functional lever. Do not try to load multiple rounds.
Q: Can I look up my serial number on the Ithaca Gun Company website?
A: No. The modern Ithaca Gun Company (owned by Ithaca Gun Company LLC) does not hold records for original 49s. The current Ithaca Gun Company (now based in
Q: What is the most portable lookup tool?
A: A laminated card with the serial number ranges printed on it, kept in your gun case or wallet.
Q: Does a lower serial number always mean older?
A: Generally yes for Ithaca 49, but factory cleanouts sometimes shipped early receivers late. Use feature checkpoints to confirm. For collectors, history buffs, and nostalgic plinkers, few
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.
The rifle features a falling-block, single-shot action, disguised under a non-functioning lever. To load, you press a button on the left side of the receiver, swing the lever down (which cocks the internal striker), insert a .22 short, long, or long rifle cartridge, and then close the lever. It is not a true repeater, which adds to its safety as a trainer.
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.