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The Winchester Model 1897 Riot Gun with Bayonet (Trench Gun)
Guns International #: 101573222 Seller's Inventory #: Winchester M1897 Trench Shotgun
Category: Winchester Shotguns - Model 97 - Military Shotguns - US
Seller's Information
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Seller: As-issued-collector
Member Since: 12/19/20
First Name: James
Last Name: Christman
State: Florida
Zip: 33708
Country: United States
Phone: (727) 560-8560
Number of Active Listings: 3
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Returns may be possible? If there is a specific concern / reason expressed and documented PRIOR to purchase.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order --Cashiers Check -- Personal Check Up to 5 to 10 days after receipt).
Description:
U.S. Model 1897 Riot Gun with Bayonet
Winchester Slide Action Repeating Shotgun
Early 1943 Production
Often referred to as a “Trench Gun”
Overview:
The Records Specialist at the Cody Firearms Museum researched this shotgun and confirmed that the serial number was applied for on February 16, 1943. Winchester didn’t make any more model 97’s after the Spring of 1943. So, this is a very nice, late production US Model 97 US Military Shotgun. The 19 rows of airholes in the barrel heat shield support this determination. Cody could find no other Winchester production records for the of M97’s produced in this time period. (Please let me know if you think otherwise). Every expected ordinance inspection cartouche and military metal stamping is correct, very legible, in the correct location and none are missing. All, serial numbers match.
Markings:
The inspection cartouche “GHD” for Col. Guy H. Dreary (Ordnance Inspector from 1942 to 1945 soon to be a Brigadier General) is clearly stamped on the left slide of the rear of the stock. Actually, Col Drewry wasn’t an “arms inspector. He was titled “Army Inspector or Ordnance” for the Springfield Ordinance District, which included the Colt Plant in Hartford, CT, the Winchester Factory in New Haven CT and the Springfield Armory, along with other factories making ordnance material for the war. He was officially responsible for making sure that the Army got what it needed from the factories in his district. So it is pretty certain that Col. Drewry didn’t hammer his own initials on this shotgun. It was done by specialized contract personnel under supervision of an Army team. Just thought this might be interesting?
There is series of patients listed on the right side of the barrel just behind and under the heat shield. “Model 97 Winchester 12 GA. 2 ¾ Cham with CYL” stamped just underneath, is located on the top of the “barrel. On the top of the receiver there is a tiny “P” with a “W” stamped over it inside of an oval. And this same tiny ‘P/W” with a “Flaming Bomb” underneath is stamped on the top righthand side of the barrel, very close to the receiver On the bottom of the receiver at the magazine there is an “E” stamped just over the serial number. The butt cover has a clear “Winchester Arms Company Stamping. There is a second middle word that looks like “Repeating”? On the lower left of the receiver there is a very clear “U.S followed by “Flaming Bomb”. This definitely means that this shotgun was once owned by the US Military. The leather sling is stamped, “1918”. The Model 1917 Enfield bayonet was the designated bayonet for the Winchester Model 97 Military production. However, the Remington Riot-Gun Bayonet also fits. Your Choice.
Brief WW2 History
M97’s were used extensively in the south pacific Island campaigns. Not so much for the landings but they were very effective of bunker and cave clearing and were highly thought of. You can find a lot of photos of M97 Trenchguns being used in combat on the internet. Especially on Okinawa, Iwo Jima and Saipan.
Additional Information:
Photos do a pretty good job of showing the condition. However, if there is something that you would like to see that isn’t shown, or if you would like to see a close up of any part of this firearm in more detail or from a different angle? Just call, we have many more photos that show every inch of this shotgun. All photos were just cropped and auto-corrected with no photoshopping or enhancements of any kind.
Why I am selling?
I purchased this from a WW2 Marine Veteran in 1974, and he said that he had in his closet for years but he didn’t say how long, and I didn’t ask. Because I could tell that it hard for him to part with, and now I find myself in pretty much the same situation.
All of my searches and conversations over the years have confirmed that this is the real deal. However, if you would like the any of the above verified? There are several totally independent 3rd party (very experienced) gunsmiths available to inspect this rifle and discuss the condition and/ or markings. At your expense as determined by the two of you. Except for providing access, I would be 100% out of this. Or if you want to, I’ll take it to an expert of your choice in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Thank you for your interest.
Applies to all listings:
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition, then cleaned, lubricated and reassembled, by a very experienced and professional Gunsmith. All received a clean bill of health and were considered to be in much better condition than appropriate for the age. Because I was interested in maintaining as much of the original condition as possible, they have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me. Because of this most rifles have some oil build-up in the tight places. The entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment. Most post 1920 guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master, for reliability, functionality and safety confirmation. I have fired a few, limited to a total of <200 rounds.
Firearms that are equipped for them have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. Most have period correct: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines. All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches. As far as I know, there are no reproduction replacement parts in this collection! Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included with clear markings of this reconditioning, and these are identified in the listing.
Based on my knowledge, all firearms are mechanically sound and complete. However, I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire. This must be determined by a qualified range master or gunsmith. All firearms are offered as collector’s items only. Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm. The be really clear, a thorough inspection should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster, before even considering firing any gun.
Specific descriptions related to a Firearms are based on knowledge at the time of the listing.
No Firearm is intentionally misrepresented and they are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations. A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation, at the buyer’s expense. Or, if you have a contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area, I’ll take it to them. I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM. Most days.
Abiding by and meeting any and all: City, state or federal regulations regarding the purchase or owning of firearms, or any item related to the firearm. Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm, is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to abide by.
The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License and complete the Florida Individual Person: Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document, for every sale? It only takes about 5 minutes to complete and besides it is a good thing for the Buyer to have because it provides the source of the rifle for the Buyer. My complete contact information, DL and Carry Permit numbers are on this form. Because an FFL dealer is the only person in the transaction that understands the regulations and laws of the Buyer’s state/city etc.; I will only ship to an FFL License, and the FFL Holder will need to contact me and provide a copy of the license, or at least the license number prior to shipping.
All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative
Thank you for your understanding and agreement.
SOLD
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: Winchester Slide Action Model 1897 Shotgun With Bayonet (Trench Gun)
Condition: Very Good