Winchester 1897 97 M97 Takedown 12 GA 32″ Full Pump Shotgun, MFD 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1305
LSB#: 210228RI02
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 530839
Year of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: 12 Ga. 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 97″, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “12 GA.” and “FULL”. The top-rear of the barrel and the top of the receiver at the front each have an ovalled “WP” proof, the barrel’s proof is to the left of the line of matting along the top of the barrel. The right of the barrel is marked “-MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN.-” with patent dates. The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.”. The bottom of the receiver and barrel extension are marked “530839”, the receiver’s serial marking has an “E” in front of it. The top-left of the receiver is engraved “101 RANCH” and the left flat is engraved “Glenn “Ammunition Shorty” Kischko” (see Our Assessment).
Barrel Length: 32″
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver colored bead at the front of the barrel. The top of the receiver has a sighting plane which is serrated for glare reduction. There is a line of matting down the top of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved slide handle, pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The buttstock’s finish has patches of thinning. The forend has a thin crack at the right-front edge. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, heaviest at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore. There is a dent visible in the top of the bore about 4″ from the muzzle and a bulge in the bottom of the bore about 3″ from the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 25% of its metal finish. Most remaining finish is on the barrel at the bottom-front and on the bottom over the magazine tube. There is some finish at the front of the magazine tube, on internal parts such as the bolt and lifter and in protected areas on the receiver flats around the ejector, slide release button and pin heads. Other surfaces have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is some scattered light surface oxidation, nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a dent in the top of the barrel about 4″ from the muzzle, visible in the bore. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: There is a dent visible in the top of the bore about 4″ from the muzzle and a bulge in the bottom of the bore about 3″ from the muzzle. The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. 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 Model 1897 shotgun is another of John Browning’s famous designs. It was the first pump action shotgun to see notable commercial success, helped along by Winchester buying out the designs of competitors. It would go on to be a staple of American sportsmen for the better part of the 20th century as well as being used for Trench Guns in both World Wars and seeing use by law enforcement agencies across the nation. The guns would also see use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Wild West Show performers, such as the 101 Ranch which toured from 1907 until 1930 across the United States, England and Latin America. Glenn “Ammunition Shorty” Klischko served as a gunsmith for the travelling show until 1926. Kischko was the son of a cossack performer and was actually born in one of Buffalo Bill’s show wagons in 1882. Based on the markings on this 1897, it appears to have been Ammunition Shorty’s own gun, marked with his name, nickname and 101 Ranch. Whether you’re a fan of Oklahoma’s old west tradition, Winchester shotguns, or just guns with an interesting history, this would be a great addition for any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!