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LOT 3321
Exceptional U.S. Marked Winchester Model 1897
Slide Action Trench Shotgun - Serial no. E681632, 12 gauge, 20 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This exceptional Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun is in
the approximate known serial range E613000-E705000 of World War I era military issued shotguns, stamped “US”
above an ordnance flaming bomb on the right of the receiver at the breech, likely applied during its continued military service life after
World War I, and is fitted with a later replacement buttstock with the second type comb, possibly arsenal fitted for reissue in the World War II era. 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 a Winchester branded checkered hard rubber buttplate. Length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. Includes a “1918” dated M1907 brown leather sling. Reference page 50 of Bruce Canfield’s book “Complete Guide to United States Military Combat Shotguns” for information on World War I era Winchester Model 1897 trench shotguns. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish with a few areas turning to a smooth brown, some light cycling wear and light scratches, and sharp markings and edges in the metal. The wood is very fine with a re-oiled forearm and later replacement buttstock as noted above, some scattered light scratches and handling marks, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3322
Very Rare U.S. Ordnance Department Contract Haemmerli Martini Model 1928 International Match Single Shot Rifle - Serial no. 473, 30-06 Springfield cal., 31 inch heavy round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured c. 1927-1928, this is a rare example of one of approximately 40 Haemmerli Martini action rifles ordered by the U.S. Ordnance Department for the U.S. International Shooting Team. Ten of these rifles were purchased with Haemmerli barrels, and 30 were later barreled at Springfield Armory. While chiefly armed with variants of the 1903 Springfield during that period, the superior lock time of the Martini design was seen as giving rival teams a slight edge in the 1927 competition. Reaching out to the Haemmerli firm in Switzerland, the Ordnance Department procured Martini rifles which were extensively reworked at Springfield including the installation of match barrels and new internals. The tenure for these rifles was about 1928-1933, when the Americans were running neck and neck with the Swiss and the Swedes for top dog in full power free rifle shooting. One of the big names on the American side was William “Bill” Bruce, a civilian shooter and noted record setter, who is known to have used one of these rifles.
This example appears to be
one of the Haemmerli barreled
examples, with the barrel marked “660” on top just behind the rear scope block. The right of the receiver has the two-line Haemmerli address and the serial number along with “40” are on the front face of the receiver. The Haemmerli hammer/star is marked on
top of the chamber. It is fitted with a globe front sight mounted on
a large barrel band, two scope bases mounted on the barrel, a Lyman No. 48 peep sight mounted on the left of the receiver, and double
set triggers. There is a smooth spherical palm rest mounted on the bottom of the receiver that has multiple adjustment points. It has the standard elaborate “finger rest” lever. The stock is of the “American Schuetzen” pattern, which was also seen on the Springfield Model 1930 International match rifles. It
is made up of a smooth Schnabel tip forearm with attached sling swivel, hollows for extra mainspring and firing pin storage, and is retained to the barrel by a bolt rather than a wedge like some of these rifles. The stock has a large cheek piece on the left, thumbrest on the right along with a spiral design, a sling swivel on the bottom, and a large Swiss pattern buttplate. The buttplate base on the stock is numbered “101632” and “1173”, while the buttplate is numbered “1162” and “449”. These rifles were originally provided with two interchangeable buttplates of slightly varying style. Further information on these rare and interesting rifles can be found in “The Springfield 1903 Rifles” by William Brophy on p. 127-129. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, mostly on edges and high spots. The wood is also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and a couple hairline cracks in the wrist. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to own one of the most illusive U.S. International Match rifles!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500 217