That Remington 17 was the inspiration for the Ithaca 37. I have a couple of those old workhorses. I love showing them to folks and they turn it over from side to side trying to figure where it ejects. My favorite 37 was given to me by a farmer when I was in high school, he had it leaned against the tire of his tractor, you can guess what happened next. It could shoot around corners! He gave it to me "if I could fix it", I ordered a NOS barrel and presto! If I ever refinish it, I hope it turns out half as good looking as your 77. Glad they are staying in the family.