Winchester Model 1897 20″ CYL Solid Frame Assembled Trench Gun C&R MFD 1919

SOLD FOR: $1435

LSB#: 210611DM39

Make: Winchester

Model: 97, Put-together “Trench”

Serial Number: 673973

Year of Manufacture: 1919

Gauge: 12 Ga.

Action Type: Pump Action shotgun, Tube Fed, Exposed Hammer

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE 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. / 12GA.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “E / 673973”. The top of the receiver has a proof mark, as does the top of the frame. There are hardness punch marks next to both of these proof marks. The barrel is also marked “CYL” and has the circled “P” which indicates a replacement barrel.

Barrel Length: 20 1/4” (uncut)

Choke: “CYL”

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead at the lug and a hole in the barrel where a bead once was set.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are uncut and original. A factory (or at least factory-style and factory-quality) sling swivel has been added to the belly. The wood still shows the original finish, which has only a few scratches and stuffs and rates about 90% retained. The wood to metal fit is great and there is darkening of the finish where there is contact with the metal. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the original hard rubber butt plate, which has only light wear and nearly perfect fit. The stocks rate in about Fine – Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The finish is apparently reapplied, but either at the factory or of factory-quality somewhere else. Additionally, the original Winchester oval proof marks have been polished over and restamped – apparently at the time of the hardness testing? The finish on the parts of the heat shield and lug are original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright but in need for a more thorough cleaning. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The action slide and the magazine tube have light thinning from operation. Same for some of the internal parts. The muzzle has some scratching, apparently from removal and attaching the lug. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are a mix of soft and sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition and we do not see erosion under the finish.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. 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: A nice “Boyt” M1907 sling is attached.

Our Assessment: This shotgun was not originally a trench gun but was put into this configuration by someone (?) at some time (?). The heat shield has all the indications of a SARCO shield, a conglomeration of original parts put together. A 4-row, 6-rivet shield is not a configuration seen outside of SARCO. The barrel was also apparently added and the finish reapplied, at which time it was harness tested and re-proof marked. The work is factory-quality, and if you have any idea who has done these, please let us know. This is not the only put-together hardness marked 97 Trench we have ever seen…

Regardless of who did the work, it is attractive and still sits as a very shootable, very attractive, collectible and displayable Winchester 97 “Trench Gun”.