The Model 49 is a solid feeling little gun. Ithaca apparently fielded quite a few in both. Interestingly, Presentation models are not uncommon on InternetĪuction sites. Receiverīeautifully hand engraved, hammer and trigger gold plated." Wow! (If desired, initials will be engraved at no extra charge). Gold shield is inlaid in stock for personalized engraving Six coats of finish alternated with hand rubbing give an unmatchedĪppearance. "Presentation Models: Perfect choice for a trophy prize or gift.īeautifully figured, 'full fancy' American walnut isĬomparable to that found on the famous $2,000 Ithaca Single-Barrel Trap The Presentation grade was pretty spectacular as was the $100 price While the Deluxe models were pegged at $29.95 and $32.95 respectively. Standard rifles were priced at $21.95 in. Walnut, extra coats of finish, gold-plated hammer and trigger, swivelsĪnd handsome leather sling." Prices were creeping up as well. "Mechanically identical with the Standard Model but with figured The Deluxe-grade rifles, according to the Ithaca catalog, were, 22 Magnum, two Deluxe gradesĪnd a Presentation grade in those same calibers. Year of production, five different models of the M49 were available-two Long Rifle carried the hefty price tag of $ 19.95. Introduced in 1961, the standard Saddlegun in.
Thanks to the ready availability of old gun catalog reprints fromĬornell Publications and a chapter on the Model 49 in Single Shot RiflesĪnd Actions by Frank de Hass, I've been able to pull together some It's been one of greatest fun guns I've ever owned. It had ever been fired and the price was right so we left the show Was a table offering a Model 49 Saddlegun in its original box. Many years later, I was leaving a gun show and just before the exit With the chicken hunt, but with his Model 49. Grabbed his Ithaca Model 49 Saddlegun and shot one. Hamilton wanted aĬhicken for dinner, Hammy didn't try to run one down. Semi-farm life in upstate Vermont and among the livestock on his place "Hammy" and his family were leading a bucolic, Running down old friends, one of whom was my former roommate, John
Just returned from two years overseas, I was driving around the country I first discovered the delightful, little Model 49 in 1966. Patent, Martini patented the improved design in his own name. While freely admitting his design was derived from the Peabody Incorporating the complete firing mechanism within the breechblock Patented these details and principles in 1862 as a hammer-fired,Īnd Martini? Well, Friedrich von Martini, a Swiss, took the PeabodyĪction and eliminated Peabody's external hammer lock by Grooved breechblock that guides a fresh cartridge directly into theĬhamber? A simple mechanical extractor/ejector activated by the That pivots a centrally located breechblock up-and-down? A deeply Streamlined, graceful, slab-sided single-shot receiver? An underlever Peabody? But Ithaca's Model 49 action looks and functions likeĪ Martini! What do you think of when you think about a Martini? A Model 49 Saddlegun was actually the I last Peabody-inspired single-shot Like a lever-action repeater complete with ersatz magazine tube, the Youth-oriented rifle-training programs," the ad copy continued.įrom 1961 to 1978, approximately 500,000 Model 49 SaddlegunsĬhambered in. Shooters-earned the praise of their safety-minded parents and Model 49 Saddlegun has quickly won the hearts of the nation's young With quality, styling and all around good looks and then price it within "PeopleĬlaimed it couldn't be done, build a. Saddlegun," shouted Ithaca's 1962 ad campaign. "Greatest Little Gun in the Land-The Ithaca Model 49 APA style: Greatest little gun: Ithaca's Peabody-inspired Model 49 Saddlegun was a unique single-shot.Greatest little gun: Ithaca's Peabody-inspired Model 49 Saddlegun was a unique single-shot. 2016 Publishers' Development Corporation 24 Apr. MLA style: "Greatest little gun: Ithaca's Peabody-inspired Model 49 Saddlegun was a unique single-shot.