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Spectacular Scarce Early WWII Production Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Spectacular Scarce Early WWII Production Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun
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Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun manufactured in 1942. This take-down M1897 Trench Gun has the scarce and very desirable early WWII production features that include: (1) WWI style, six-hole hand guard/bayonet mount, (2) early pattern markings with "U.S." only on the left side of the receiver and (3) early Ordnance final inspection mark consisting of "W.B." in a rectangle above the small Ordnance Escutcheon on the left side of the stock. A small Ordnance 'Shell and Flame' inspection mark is stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. The shotgun has the Winchester commercial blue finish on the hand guard, barrel, magazine and receiver. The walnut stock and forearm have a dull varnish finish. The stock is fitted with a black, checkered, hard rubber, buttplate embossed with the round Winchester trademark and a sling swivel. The hand guard is fitted with the correct wire sling swivel above the bayonet lug. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the "42" (1942) production date. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the two-line legend: "MODEL-97-WINCHESTER-12 GA./-TRADE MARK-". "23/4 CHAMB./CYL." is stamped on the left side of the barrel between the Winchester legend and the receiver. The oval "WP" monogram/proof mark is stamped on the top of the barrel and the receiver. The serial number: "937039" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and "E/937039" is stamped on the underside of the receiver. The hand guard/bayonet lug is, correctly, not marked. Most WWII production Winchester M1897 Trench Guns were fitted with the later production, four-hole, hand guard/bayonet lug. These Trench Guns had the later style markings which consisted of "US" and the Ordnance "Shell and Flame' insignia on the left side of the receiver and "G.H.D" final inspection above the larger Ordnance Escutcheon on the left side of the stock. Winchester Model 1897 Trench Guns, like this one, with the early hand guard and markings are scarce and very desirable.
BBL: 20 Inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 12
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 937039
Condition: Excellent. The Trench Gun retains 95% of the original blue finish. Wear is limited to light scratches and storage marks on the sides of the receiver and some minor cycling marks on the magazine tube. The stock is highly figured walnut and is in excellent condition. The Ordnance inspection marks are crisp. Wear is limited to a minor scratch on the left side of the pistol grip. The forearm is in excellent condition. Winchester Model 1897 Trench Guns saw extensive use in the Pacific Theater during WWII and remained in service until well after the Vietnam Conflict. As a result, examples of M1897 Trench Guns in original condition are scarce; early production M1897 Trench Guns like this example are very difficult to find with any amount of original finish.