Winchester Model 1897 WWI Trench Gun 12 Gauge 20” Pump Shotgun 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $9,925.00
LSB: LSB250818JK002
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1897, Trench Gun
Serial Number: E 680754
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Pump Action Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” and patents. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “E680754”. The buttplate is marked with “Winchester Repeating Arms Co”. “F Farrel Sr” is stamped near the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″ Nominal, 20 1/2” Measured
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead mounted to the bayonet lug assembly, the barrel is not drilled for a bead. The top of the receiver has a shallow groove for a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks appear to have been lightly sanded and refinished. The stocks are two-piece walnut with 18-groove slide handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There is a sling plate mounted in the belly (the forward swivel is mounted to the bayonet lug assembly). The stocks have a few scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion visible in the bore, though there are some longitudinal scratches. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The shotgun retains about 90% of its original metal finish. There is thinning at the front of the barrel and some light corrosion under the barrel shroud. The muzzle appears to have been dressed. The leading edges of the bayonet bushing and barrel shroud both show blueing loss. The magazine tube shows operational wear and thinning at the rear where it rubs on the slide, and a small spot of wear at its front underside from rubbing on the sling swivel. The receiver shows considerable finish wear on its edges, its underside and trigger guard. There are light handling marks on the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: 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: M1917 Bayonet Marked “US” and with Ordnance Corps “Flaming Bomb”.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun made for the U.S. Military in 1918 during WWI. It has the correct serial number for a trench gun made then.
When the United States entered World War One, officers experienced in the Philippine Conflict knew the utility of the shotgun for close range trench warfare. The Army asked Winchester for a Model 1897 that would “slam-fire”, or shoot repeatedly as one held the trigger and cycled the pump action. This necessitated the use of a heat shield on the barrel if one wanted to use the bayonet after he had rapid-fired the 6-round magazine. And the “trench gun” was born.
This particular trench gun was previously sold on ammoandguncollector.com as an authentic example of a 1918 trench gun for $23,000. They describe the F. Ferrel Sr. stamp as the original owner of this gift from Winchester. F. Ferrel Sr. was the owner of the Ferrel Foundry in Ansonia Ct., which, given its proximity to Winchester, may have had some dealings with them during the war.
Please see our photos. -C.B.
