WWI U.S. Winchester Model 97 12 Ga 20” Trench Gun Pump Shotgun 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6,775.50
LSB# LSB250613SH007
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 97
Serial Number: 689478
Year of Manufacture: 1919
Gauge: 12GA, 2 ¾” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action
Barrel Length: 20”
Choke: Cylinder Choke, Fixed
Markings: The left side of the barrel is stamped “MANUFACTURED BY WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A. / PAT. NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92.JULY 21.96.FEB.22.98.JUNE 14.98.OCT.16.1900.DEC.25.06.JULY 5.10.”. / 12 GA. / CYL The base of the receiver is marked “E / 689478. The top of the receiver has a Winchester WP proof. The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / —WINCHESTER— / TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF.” The barrel shroud is marked “PAT.JAN.15&MAR.19.1918”. The right side of the receiver has a US Army Ordnance Corps stamp.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, Winchester hard rubber buttplate, and 18-groove pump handle. The stock shows many scratches and pressure marks — to include a couple of 1/16” deep gouges — but no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stock rates a Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is faint scattered pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains very little of its metal finish, most of which has gone to patina. There are occasional small rust freckles on the forward part of the barrel and mag tube. The finish shows operational wear on the action bars, mag tube, and elsewhere. The screw heads vary from sharp to heavily tool-marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates at a Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired 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 Model 97, also known as the Model 1897, is a legendary 12-gauge pump-action shotgun that played a significant role in both civilian and military history. A pump action shotgun with an exposed hammer and a tube magazine, it was designed by John Browning and introduced in 1897. It was one of the first successful pump-action shotguns and became a staple for hunters, law enforcement, and the military.
This Model 97 Trench Gun is a factory-built gun specially designed and adopted for trench warfare in World War I. As such, it came with a short (20 inch) barrel, a five-round magazine, a bayonet lug, and a distinctive ventilated handguard to protect the soldier’s hand during bayonet fighting after prolonged engagements.
Interestingly, the Germans complained that the use of the trench gun violated the 1899 and 1907 Hague Conventions and threatened to execute any soldier captured while carrying one. The United States dismissed Germany’s complaint, noting that Germany was conducting unrestricted submarine warfare on commercial shipping and gas warfare.
This workhorse of a shotgun has been used for decades by both military and civilian law enforcement agencies. It would be a fine collector’s piece for a Winchester aficionado or would still be the great short-range defense gun that it was designed to be. -C.B.
