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LOT 3394
Outstanding Winchester Model 97 Slide Action Takedown Riot Shotgun - Serial
no. E1006661, 12 gauge, 20 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in 1952, this is an outstanding example of a Winchester Model 97 takedown riot shotgun, and is without
a doubt one of the finest examples we have ever offered at Rock Island Auction Company. Many of these
riot shotguns were purchased by the U.S. military for use in all the major conflicts of the 20th century, and
even more were purchased by federal, state, and
local law enforcement as well as various security
agencies. Due to the nature of their often hard
service, very few examples remain available to collectors in exceptional
condition like this one. Being manufactured in the early 1950s, shotguns like this one would have been a hot commodity for
governmental and non-governmental security details during the “Red Scares” to protect American assets and information
from communist espionage. Unlike many of its contemporaries, this particular example appears to have been well-cared
for or seen light duty, as it remains in incredible condition. The top of the barrel and receiver both have factory oval proofs
marked at the breech. The left of the barrel has the standard address, trademark, model, gauge, and chamber length markings.
The choke is marked cylinder, and the chamber length is marked 2 3/4 inches. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the
takedown collar and the frame, with an “E” over the frame serial number. The barrel is fitted with a single steel bead sight, and it is mounted
with a 14-groove slight handle and a pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate. The length of pull is 13 3/4 inches.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the original blue finish with some scattered light handling marks and some light cycling wear on the magazine and slide bar. The wood is also excellent
with a few scattered minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the finest Winchester Model 97 Riot Shotguns we have ever offered for sale, and it would make a fantastic
addition to your collection!
Estimate: 7,500 - 10,000
LOT 3395
Outstanding Pre-World War I Winchester Model 1897 Slide Action Riot Shotgun - Serial no. E555453, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
stock. This is an exceptional example of a Winchester Model 1897 riot shotgun manufactured in 1912 with the early solid frame. Single brass front sight bead.
The action bar is roll-stamped “MODEL 1897/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S.PAT.OFF.”” in three lines, and the barrel is marked “12 GA.” and “CYL” along
with the Winchester address and patent information. Oval Winchester “W/P” proofmarks are
stamped on the top of the barrel and the receiver. The serial number is roll-stamped across
the bottom of the receiver. No U.S. ordnance marks are present on the gun. Mounted with an
18-groove forend and smooth pistol grip stock fitted with a checkered hard rubber Winchester
buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent plus overall, retaining 99% bright original high polish blue finish, limited
handling evidence, and well-defined grooves on the forend. Mechanically excellent. This is one
of the finest pre-World War I Winchester Model 1987 riot shotguns we have every sold. You
would be hard pressed to find a better example!
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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