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LOT 3452
Excellent World War II U.S. Winchester Model 97 Slide Action Trench Shotgun -
Serial no. E951371, 12 gauge, 21 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The Winchester Model
97 trench shotgun gained worldwide fame in the trenches of World War I with its slam fire capability, and
was extensively utilized in the Pacific Theater during World War II, remaining in Army and Marine inventory until
the 1990s. This classic military shotgun is desirable in any condition. Single bead front sight and four-hole heat shield with
bayonet lug. The barrel is marked for cylinder choke, a 2 3/4 inch chamber, and “41” dated on the underside. The serial number of the gun dates to 1943 manufacture according to Winchester Collectors Association, and it was likely factory assembled this way with an earlier dated barrel as this was common practice during wartime production. Flaming bomb proofs are present on top of the barrel and on the left side of the frame next to “U.S.” Matching serial numbers marked on the bottom of the receiver and takedown collar. Ribbed forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with a boxed “G.H.D.” (Guy H. Drewry) and crossed cannons
stamped on the left, sling swivels, checkered buttplate and a 13 3/4 inch length of pull. Includes a M1907 brown leather sling.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish with light wear at the muzzle from bayonet mounting and very light cycling wear visible on the magazine tube, some light handling marks, and sharp markings
in the metal. The lightly sanded and re-oiled wood is very fine with defined edges, a few light handling marks, and clear cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This excellent Winchester Model 97 trench shotgun would make a fine addition to any U.S. military or World War II collection!
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 3453
World War II U.S. Johnson Automatics Model 1941 Semi-Automatic
Rifle - Serial no. 6561, 30-06 Springfield cal., 22 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock.
Originally up for consideration by the Netherlands Purchasing Commission as a service weapon for colonial troops
in the Dutch East Indies, a large order for the Johnson Rifle was placed in 1940, but the Japanese invasion of the East Indies prevented
delivery. These rifles were not able to gain interest for adoption by the U.S. Army, who favored the M1 Garand, but a small amount of them were subsequently used by the U.S.M.C.
Marine Raider and Parachute Battalions in the early Makin Island, Guadalcanal and Tulagi Island hopping campaigns in the Pacific. One source reports approximately 21,400 Johnson semi-automatic rifles
in total were manufactured, and approximately 750 were procured by the U.S. Marine Corps (Canfield’s book). These rifles employed several unique features such as the rotary magazine which allows reloading
at any time, and a recoiling barrel that has the ability to be easily removed from the rifle by hand for takedown, which allows the rifle to be stowed in a parachute jump bag. The rear, right side of the receiver is marked “CRANSTON/ARMS/CO.” in a triangle and with a small five-pointed Dutch star as commonly seen on Johnson rifles, and the top of the receiver is marked “CAL. 30-’06 SEMI-AUTO./”JOHNSON AUTOMATICS”/MODEL OF 1941/MADE IN PROVIDENCE, R.I., U.S.A.” above the serial number with U.S. and foreign patent date markings to the rear. The barrel locking bushing has the correct markings
of “41” for the year and “30-06” on the front flat. Blade front and 1,000 meter rear sight. It has a two-piece walnut stock and forend. This example is wearing
serial number “6561” on top of the receiver and the original serial number of the bolt has been removed and renumbered “6561” to match (it was standard
for numbered components on Johnson rifles to not match). “477” on the receiver heel. One absent screw in the front of the trigger guard.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% original parkerized finish with a few small patches of light pitting and some areas turned to a smooth brown patina. Wood
is very good as sanded and re-oiled, slightly undersized around some edges, a repaired and spliced section on the bottom of the buttstock, and some
scattered handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
252 Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000