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LOT 1321
Excellent World War II U.S. Winchester Model 97 Slide Action Trench Shotgun with Ammunition Box and
Pouch - Serial no. E951108, 12 gauge, 20 7/8 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 excellent World War II production example is considered highly desirable. Single
bead front sight mounted on the four-hole heat shield with bayonet lug adapter. The barrel is marked
for cylinder choke, a 2 3/4 inch chamber, and “42” dated on the underside. A flaming bomb proof is
stamped on top of the barrel, with “U.S.” on the left side of the frame. 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.” and crossed cannons stamped on the left, sling swivels, and a plastic Winchester branded
checkered buttplate. 13 3/4 inch length of pull. Includes a sealed 25-count World War II era box of
Winchester brass shell 12 gauge 00 buck ammunition, and a tan canvas U.S. shotgun ammunition pouch with “J.Q.M.D. 1943” on
the interior of the flap.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish with some minor cycling wear lines visible on the magazine tube, a few minor scratches, and sharp markings in the metal. The buttstock is also
excellent with distinct edges, the forearm is very fine showing light wear, a few minor scratches, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Ammunition box is fine. This excellent Winchester
Model 97 trench shotgun would make a fine addition to any U.S. military firearms collection!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 1320
Highly Desirable World War II Era U.S. M2-2 Portable Flame
Thrower Pack with Numerous Accessories - , OD green finish.
An improved version of the earlier M1 and M1A1 man-portable
flame thrower units developed by the U.S. in the early 1940s,
the M2 became the standard flamethrower used by U.S. forces
through the last year of World War II, and continued use through
the Korean and Vietnam Wars until it was phased out for the
lighter M9. Unlike the electric ignition of the earlier M1 series,
the M2 series utilized a spring loaded, match lit, five cell ignition
cylinder installed within the ignition head of the “-2” designated
wand (or gun group), which proved to be a more reliable source of ignition than the former. In U.S. service, the flame thrower was used
against dug in fortifications and tunnels, utilizing not only the heat generated by its projection but also the suffocating effects of the flames
within confined spaces to incapacitate enemy combatants. The M2’s most noteworthy and extensive service was with the Marines and GIs
of the Pacific island hopping campaign of World War II, where flame throwers were used alongside demolition teams to form specialized
“corkscrew and blowtorch” tactics against the Imperial Japanese. Features a World War II era “hourglass” tube steel pack frame with OD green
web backing and quick detach shoulder straps, two fuel tanks with World War II era M2 pattern brass fuel cap and deflector tube fitted,
central pressure tank, a “CHEMICAL WARFARE SERVICE U.S.A.” cast aluminum “-2” wand, and fuel hose. Includes a OD green painted hardwood
transport crate marked “CHEMICAL WARFARE SERVICE/PORTABLE FLAME THROWER M2A1-2”, and a service kit housed in a green painted
hardwood case, marked “FARE SERVICE/FOR/THROWER M2-2” containing a variety of spare parts and tools (both loose and sealed), many of
which have been out of production for decades and can be difficult to find.
CONDITION: Fine as professionally restored, with 75% plus re-applied OD green paint retained with some scattered mild chipping, some
older layers pf pint visible, some scattered light areas of visible spotting/brown patina, some light fraying and staining on the web harness,
and scattered light handling marks. The wand is fine with 70% re-applied OD green paint with light flaking, some light patches of visible
spotting, and some grey patina on the aluminum components. The wand’s grip safety, valve lever, and trigger rod appear mechanically
sound. A seldom seen, but immediately recognizable historic piece that would greatly enhance any U.S. military
collection or museum display!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000