Lookup Portable - Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number
| Year | Approx. Serial Start | Year | Approx. Serial Start | |------|----------------------|------|----------------------| | 1962 | 1001 | 1971 | 241,000 | | 1963 | 6,500 | 1972 | 270,000 | | 1964 | 21,000 | 1973 | 299,000 | | 1965 | 44,000 | 1974 | 325,000 | | 1966 | 67,000 | 1975 | 350,000 | | 1967 | 90,000 | 1976 | 375,000 | | 1968 | 118,000 | 1977 | 400,000 | | 1969 | 156,000 | 1978 | 425,000–450,000 | | 1970 | 196,000 | — | — |
Use like this: Serial 257,XXX → between 1971 (241k) and 1972 (270k) → likely late 1971.
The subject line mentions "Portable." In the context of the Model 49, this usually refers to a specific configuration or a misunderstanding of the terminology.
Note on Take-Downs: The Ithaca Model 49 is a solid-frame rifle. It was not designed as a take-down rifle (where the barrel unscrews from the receiver for storage). If you have a rifle that disassembles for portability, you may have a different model (such as the Ithaca Model 37 shotgun, or perhaps a different brand like the Stevens Favorite).
If your serial number is very low (under 10,000, roughly), or if it has specific high-end features, it might be a First Model, imported from Germany. ithaca model 49 serial number lookup portable
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.
If you have a serialized post-1968 Model 49, here is the most effective portable approach:
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.
The Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup portable is not a one-click app but a knowledge toolkit: understanding pre-1968 vs. post-1968 serialization, carrying a printed production table, and recognizing physical features. With this write-up and a small reference card, any collector or shooter can confidently date an Ithaca Model 49 anywhere—no WiFi, no cellular signal, no problem. | Year | Approx
Final portable tip: Take a photo of this write-up and the serial table, save it to your phone’s offline album, or print it wallet-sized. Happy hunting.
The Ithaca Model 49 "Saddle Gun" was an iconic .22 caliber rimfire rifle produced between 1961 and 1979. While it is a beloved "first rifle" for many, tracking its specific age via serial number can be challenging due to the lack of comprehensive public records for this specific model. Serial Number Location & Format
Location: The serial number is typically located on the bottom of the receiver or on the side of the receiver near the lever.
Format: Many Model 49 serial numbers begin with the prefix "49". Note on Take-Downs: The Ithaca Model 49 is
Pre-1968 Models: Firearms manufactured before the Gun Control Act of 1968 were not legally required to have serial numbers; consequently, many early Model 49s may have no serialization at all. Manufacturing Eras (1961–1979)
Since precise year-by-year serial number tables for the Model 49 are largely unavailable, collectors often date them by physical characteristics:
Early Production (1961–Late 1960s): Often featured walnut stocks and a folding buckhorn rear sight. These early units are more likely to lack serial numbers.
Later Production (1970s): Switched to hardwoods like elm or birch with pressed checkering. The rear sight was often changed to a simpler flat-top version.
Model 49R (Repeater): Produced roughly from 1961 to 1978, this version used a tube magazine rather than the single-shot falling block action of the standard Model 49. Where to Look Up Information
Because Ithaca changed ownership several times, factory records are fragmented. For official verification, you can contact the following: Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.