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.
The Ithaca Model 49 is a beloved single-shot, lever-action .22 caliber rifle (later models also in .22 Magnum), primarily manufactured from 1962 to 1978. Often called the "Saddle Gun," it was designed to resemble a miniature Winchester Model 1894, making it a popular choice for young shooters, plinkers, and collectors.
However, unlike many modern firearms, performing a standard "serial number lookup" on an Ithaca Model 49 to obtain a specific manufacturing date or production history is not straightforward and, in many cases, impossible for the majority of units produced. Here is a detailed breakdown of why, and how to work within those limitations.
Scenario: You find an Ithaca Model 49 at a flea market. Serial number: 38421
Portable steps:
The vast majority of Model 49s found today are "Second Models." You can identify them by these features:
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.
If you are looking up the serial number to establish value, here is the general hierarchy: