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Attractive Consecutively Numbered Pair of Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame Slide Action Trench Shot

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
Attractive Consecutively Numbered Pair of Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame Slide Action Trench Shot
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Attractive Consecutively Numbered Pair of Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame Slide Action Trench Shotguns with Bayonets -A) Winchester Model 1897 Slide Action Shotgun with Bayonet


A) Manufactured in 1920. When introduced, the 1897 Shotgun represented a tremendous increase in firepower over the break action guns commonly used as fighting shotguns, and even over it's lever action contemporaries. The ability to "slam fire" the weapon by holding down the trigger and working the slide produced an output of lead that could virtually saturate an enclosed area. Combined with the short barrel, heat shield and bayonet lug of the "Trench" configuration, the weapon developed so vicious a reputation for close-quarters fighting that the Germans, themselves active users of flamethrowers and poison gas, complained that they were inhumane. Often exposed to rough conditions, a single Trench Gun in this condition would be a good find, but a sequential pair in so fine a condition is virtually unprecedented on the market. A single brass bead sight is installed on the bayonet lug, with a 6-hole ventilated heat shield, cylinder choke, 2 3/4 inch chamber and standard markings, including the model and trademark on the operating rod. Fitted with a ribbed forearm and a smooth pistol grip stock, with a leather sling, checkered Winchester buttplate, and a length of pull of 13 7/8 inches. With a 1917 dated Winchester bayonet, 21 3/4 inches long with a 17 inch blade, wood grip and green painted leather sheath.

Manufucture: Winchester
Model: 1897
BBL: 20 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 12
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 684775

Very fine, with 75% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, bright edge and operating wear, and scattered handling marks. The stock is very good, with a light chip at the toe and mild pressure dents. The bayonet shows a mixed patina on the blade and mild wear on the grip and sheath. Mechanically excellent.

B) Manufactured in 1920. As described in A, with a cylinder choke, 2 3/4 inch chamber, 13 7/8 inch length of pull, and a similarly configured 1917 Winchester bayonet with sheath.

Manufucture: Winchester
Model: 1897
BBL: 20 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 12
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 684776

Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing mild scratches and edge wear, areas of brown patina, and scattered handling marks. The wood is very fine, with a small chip at the toe and minor scratches. A gray patina shows on the bayonet blade, with a few dents and scuffs on the sheath and grip. The slide locking mechanism releases immediately after the trigger is pulled, otherwise mechanically fine.