This is a beautiful example of a rare Winchester Model 1897 Trench Shotgun from 1918. The gun is all correct and original, and falls in the World War I accepted serial number range of E613000-E705000. The Model 1897 is known for its external hammer, and other features include a single bead sight that is installed on the bayonet lug, with a 6-hole ventilated heat shield, cylinder marked choke, 2 3/4 inch chamber, and standard markings. No U.S. military markings are present, as with the majority of World War I U.S.-issued Model 1897s. Fitted with a ribbed forearm and a smooth pistol grip stock with a checkered Winchester butt-plate. The wood forearm and stock are in great condition, with just a few minor dings on the stock. The original bluing on the shotgun is also in excellent condition, with high edge wear on the receiver and barrel but no pitting and no major areas of finish loss. Would rate the blue at 80-90%. Terrific, shiny bore. Mechanically, the shotgun appears to function perfectly with a smooth action. The listing also includes an original 1917 Winchester bayonet that is U.S. marked with flaming bomb and Eagle/S24 markings, as well. The blade is in generally good condition and has not been sharpened or shortened. C&R eligible. A great opportunity to own a terrific, honest example of one of the most desirable WWI-era military firearms. NOTE ON ADDITIONAL HISTORY OF THIS SHOTGUN: The underside of the receiver is professionally marked 'F.Farrel Sr' - this gun was sold to us by his great-grandson. Franklin Farrel Sr ran the Farrel Corporation, a well-known company in Connecticut that produced cannon barrels and bayonets for the Civil War, and later made gears for US Navy propulsion systems. The seller states this gun was gifted to the Farrel Corporation after the war, and his great grandfather had it marked with his personal factory stamp at that time. The marking was clearly applied by those familiar with steelwork. It's only a couple of centimeters long but is visible near the serial number.
Value: Sold For $23,315.00 in early 2022From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to searchThe Winchester Model 1897, also known as the Model 97, M97, or Trench Gun, is a pump-action shotgun with an external hammer and tube magazine manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The Model 1897 was an evolution of the Winchester Model 1893 designed by John Browning. From 1897 until 1957, over one million of these shotguns were produced. The Model 1897 was offered in numerous barrel lengths and grades, chambered in 12 and 16 gauge, and as a solid frame or takedown. The 16-gauge guns had a standard barrel length of 28 inches, while 12-gauge guns were furnished with 30-inch length barrels. Special length barrels could be ordered in lengths as short as 20 inches, and as long as 36 inches. Since the time the Model 1897 was first manufactured it has been used by American soldiers, police departments, and hunters.
