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Collector’s Fact
LOT 3367
Rare and Excellent World War II Smith & Wesson Model 1940
Mark II Semi-Automatic Light Rifle - Serial no. 1696, 9 mm Luger cal., 9 1/2
inch fluted bbl., blue finish, synthetic stock. Developed c. 1939 by Smith & Wesson, the
Model 1940 “Light Rifle” was based on a British government request for a semi-automatic,
light-weight rifle design chambered for the 9 mm Luger cartridge, and was tested against the M1 Carbine by the U.S.
as a pistol substitute for officers and support personnel. Despite some promising features, the Mark I versions of the
rifle were passed over by the U.S. and failed in British testing due to cracked receivers caused by higher pressures
generated by British military 9 mm Luger loads. Smith & Wesson revised the Mark I design, resulting in the Mark II
that integrated a machined ribbed steel collar mounted around the receiver, which acted as a reinforcement as
well as a positive bolt-blocking safety. This was not enough to save the project, and the British shelved the Light
Rifle, demanded a refund on their advance and, once the pressing matter of World War II was resolved, cut up their stock of unwanted Light Rifles with a blowtorch and tossed the resulting scrap into the English Channel, making
such examples rare today. According to Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks, a number of crated Model 1940 Light Rifles (137 Mark I rifles and 80 Mark II rifles) were found by Smith & Wesson in 1974 and subsequently liquidated as
curios with explicit instructions that they were not to be loaded or fired as detailed on page 240 of “The History of Smith & Wesson” by Jinks. Features a fixed blade front sight, knob adjustable notch rear sight (graduated from 200
to 400 yards), ribbed safety collar around the receiver, a right side mounted reciprocating charging handle, and novel magazine housing that holds the magazine, provides a downward facing casing ejection chute at the rear, and
acts as a fore-grip for the user. Fitted with a black synthetic buttstock with ribbed blued buttplate marked with a matching serial number. Includes a leather sling.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus original blue finish with some minor edge wear, a few light scrapes on the left of the magazine housing, and a few light handling marks. The stock is very fine with a crack running through
the wrist. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 8,000
LOT 3366
Exceptional World War I Era Winchester Model 1897 Slide Action Trench Shotgun with
Winchester Bayonet - Serial no. E683636, 12 gauge, 20 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Offered here
is an exceptional 1918 production Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun that falls in the approximate known prime serial
range E613000-E705000 of World War I era military issued shotguns, per page 50 of “Combat Shotguns” (2007) by Bruce
Canfield. The Winchester 1897 was one of John Browning’s many contributions to American sporting and combat arms,
and in both the “trench” and “riot” configurations performed fine service for military and law enforcement users, seeing action as early as 1899 in the Philippines, and earning particular fame in World War I and
World War II for its potent close range firepower along with its slamfire capability. Features a six-hole handguard/bayonet adapter with “PAT. JAN. 15 & MAR. 19. 1918” marked on the left. The barrel protrudes 1/2 inch
ahead of the bayonet adapter, which is considered correct for a World War I era Winchester 1897 trench shotgun. Receiver and cylinder choke marked barrel both stamped with a circled Winchester “WP” proof at the
breech. The slide bar has the model and trademark information. Grooved forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with correct first type comb and a Winchester branded checkered hard rubber buttplate. 13 7/8 inch
length of pull. Reference page 50 of Bruce Canfield’s book “Complete Guide to United States Military Combat Shotguns” for more information on World War I era Winchester Model 1897 trench shotguns. Includes a
“1917” dated Winchester M1917 bayonet with a circled Winchester “W” logo on the blade, green leather scabbard, and a “1918” dated M1907 pattern brown leather sling.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus bright original blue finish with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, scattered minor scratches, some light cycling wear, and sharp markings and edges in the metal. The
wood is excellent with rich oil finish, a few light handling marks, a small minor chip at the toe of the buttplate, and distinct grasping grooves and edges. Mechanically excellent. Bayonet and scabbard are very fine. This exceptional
World War I era Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun would make an very fine addition to any U.S. military firearms collection!
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
According to "History of Smith
& Wesson" by Roy Jinks, only 80
Smith & Wesson Model 1940
Mk. II Light Rifles were found
in 1974