Custom Engraved Winchester Model 1897 97 12 GA 30″ Pump Shotgun 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1690
LSB#: 220204RT007
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Engraved 1897
Serial Number: 175346
Year of Manufacture: 1902
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. / U.S. OF AMERICA”, “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”, “MODEL 97 – 12 GA. – 2 3/4″ CHAM. / FULL”. The top of the receiver at the front both has an ovalled “WP” proof. The action bar is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1897”. The bottom of the receiver and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with the serial number. The receiver, chamber, receiver extension, and action bar have custom scroll engraving. The left side of the receiver also has a game dog over a banner that reads “MONTANA”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a metal bead at the muzzle. The receiver has a shallow groove at the front which serves as a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a grooved slide handle, round-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The forend is a three screw forend. The stocks have been refinished. There are some scattered little compressions and draglines. There are some light scratches and minor marks into the finish, the most noticeable are on the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered thinning, erosion, and finish loss. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. The barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few little nicks through the finish, most noticeable on the bottom of the barrel at the front. There are a few little rubs and scuffs that have lightly thinned the finish, the most noticeable are scattered over the barrel. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is some standard operational wear including some finish wear on the bottom of the barrel from takedown. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly worn. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Winchester 1897 was designed by the famed John M. Browning and quickly became one of the most popular shotguns in the world, serving the United States military in both World Wars and popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It should come as no surprise then, that it was also popular on the civilian market with many field guns produced. This example is in about Excellent condition with a bright bore free of erosion and a new blued finish and nice custom scroll engraving. This is a classic old Winchester that could be back out in the field dropping birds and will turn a few heads. Please see our photos and good luck!