Winchester 1897 Model E 97 Takedown 12 GA 20” Pump Shotgun 1923 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB260214CG014
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897, Take Down Model E
Serial Number: 730024
Year of Manufacture: 1923 / C&R
Caliber: 12 Gauge with 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine, Exposed hammer, Takedown.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 97– WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, 12GA – FULL”. The right side of the barrel is stamped “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN— With patent dates on the 2nd line. The bottom of the receiver and extension are marked “730024” with an “E” for the model number. The top of the barrel and the top left of the receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The action bar is marked “MODEL 97 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF.& FGN”.
Barrel Length: 20″ Chopped
Choke: Fixed, CYL
Sights / Optics: Brass Bead front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a refinished two piece walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, Pachmayr White Line ventilated rubber buttpad and 18-groove pump grip. There are scratches and compression dings throughout the stock. The stocks have likely been sanded at some point. The buttstock has been shortened. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 11 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the chamber and muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn nearly to white with faint blue still present. There is stronger blue held in the protected areas. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches throughout. The action shows modest operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and is smooth. 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 Model 1897, designed by John Moses Browning and introduced in 1897, stands as one of the most influential pump action shotguns ever produced, bridging the transition from exposed hammer designs of the nineteenth century to the repeating shotguns that defined the twentieth. Widely used for sporting, law enforcement, and military applications, the Model 97 earned a reputation for durability, rapid cycling, and its distinctive slam fire capability. The takedown configuration allowed the shotgun to be separated for transport, a practical feature for traveling sportsmen of the era. This 1923 production example reflects the mature evolution of the design during its peak years of manufacture, chambered for 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch shells, a standard that remains dominant in shotgun use.
This example shows significant period use and modification, with the barrel cut to 20 inches and the choke opened to cylinder, along with a shortened and refinished walnut stock set fitted with a Pachmayr White Line buttpad. The wood shows scattered handling marks, compression dings, and evidence of sanding, though it remains structurally sound with no cracks, rating in Good condition. The metal retains about 20 percent of its original blue, with most surfaces worn to a light patina and stronger finish remaining in protected areas, along with scattered scratches and operational wear. The bore is bright with light fouling and no erosion, rating 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and cycles smoothly, retaining the original slam fire feature. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.