Winchester 1897 Model E 97 Takedown 12 GA 20” Pump Shotgun 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260121CR012
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897, Take Down Model E
Serial Number: 802575
Year of Manufacture: 1925 / 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 “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN— / U.S. OF AMERICA” “– WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, “–MODEL 97– 12GA – CYL”. The bottom of the receiver and extension are marked “802575” 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 a type-5 style marked “:MODEL 1897 / —WINCHESTER—/TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PATT.OFF”.
Barrel Length: 20”
Choke: Fixed, Cylinder bore
Sights / Optics: Bead front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a replacement two piece walnut with flat bottom semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, Winchester hard rubber buttplate and 18-groove pump grip. There are scratches and compression dings throughout the stock. The buttplate is a slightly smaller profile than the buttstock. There are scratches and compression signs throughout. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is some minor fouling present but no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 30% of its metal refinish. The finish on the barrel is turning to a plum patina with minor freckling present. The receiver shows signs of heavy polishing from the previous refinish. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches throughout. The action shows relatively moderate operational wear for its age. 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: Designed by John Moses Browning, the Winchester Model 1897 is one of the most iconic and influential pump-action shotguns ever produced. Manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Model 1897 was an advancement over earlier designs, built to handle smokeless powder and offering a rugged exposed hammer and smooth slide action. By the mid-1920s, when this Model E takedown example was produced, the design had reached a mature and highly refined state, widely trusted by sportsmen and professionals across the United States.
The takedown configuration is a particularly desirable feature, allowing the barrel and magazine assembly to be easily separated from the receiver for transport and storage. Model 1897 shotguns saw extensive use in both civilian and military contexts, gaining a reputation for durability and fast follow-up shots, including the well-known slam-fire capability. Long barrel, full choke examples like this were especially popular for hunting and trap shooting, making them a staple of early 20th century American sporting culture.
Condition-wise, this example shows clear signs of use and refurbishment. The metal has been refinished and now retains about 30%, with evidence of polishing and areas turning to a plum patina. The replacement buttstock and overall wear reduce collector originality but make it a more approachable shooter-grade example. On the positive side, the bore is bright with strong condition, and the action remains smooth and functional.
Overall, this is a solid representative of a classic early 20th-century American shotgun. While it lacks collector-grade originality, its functionality, desirable takedown feature, and compact configuration make it an appealing option for those looking for a usable and historically significant Winchester Model 1897.
BF