Winchester Model 1897 12 Ga 2 ¾” 30” Solid Frame Pump Shotgun 1898 Antique
SOLD FOR; $1,625.00
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 1897
Serial Number: 45958
Year of Manufacture: 1898
Gauge: 12 Ga. 2 ¾” Shells
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. CONN. U.S.A PAT. NOV. 25. 90. DEC. 6. 92. JULY 21. 96.” followed by “12”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The action bar is marked “WINCHESTER- / MODEL 1897”. The carrier is marked “PAT APPLIED FOR”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Fixed Improved Cylinder
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead set on the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a 17 groove slide handle (with the retaining screw found on early model 97s), rounded semi-pistol grip, raised comb and smooth steel buttplate. The forend has only a few light marks. The buttstock has many nicks, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 13 ¾ ” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has tiny scratches typical of operational wear. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is scattered erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. Much of the barrel has gone to patina. There are some minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches throughout. Most of the balance has been lost to normal operational wear. There is infrequent minor oxidation and surface erosion, mostly on the receiver. The screwheads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates a Very Good condition.
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: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester 1897 was designed by the famed John M. Browning and produced by Winchester for the next 60 years. It was for decades the standard against which other shotguns were judged. The US military called it the M97, or colloquially the “trench gun,” and used it in both world wars. It was for a time the most popular shotgun on the American market — over one million were sold. It was popular with law enforcement agencies across the country.
This particular shotgun is a very early example, being produced in 1898. It retains the rounded semi-pistol grip and retention screws in the foregrip of the Model 1893 that proceeded it. It is easily distinguishable from an 1893 by its solid topped receiver — present as it ejects out of the side, not the top, as did the Model 1893. Also unlike the Model 1893, the Model 1897 was designed to be fired using the new smokeless powder. It comes with a letter from the Cody Firearms Records Office that verifies its age, serial number, and a July 23, 1898 shipping date.
This old gun is a fine example of an early Winchester 1897. It is in remarkable shape for its age, and would make a fine addition to your collection of 19th Century Winchester firearms. -C.B.
