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Phenomenal & Rare World War I Winchester 1897 Trench Shotgun
Exceptional Documented World War I Era U.S. Marked Winchester Model 1897 Slide
Action Trench Shotgun with U.S. Government Sales Paper and Ammunition Pouch -
Serial no. E688437, 12 gauge, 20 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1918, this World War I era U.S. marked Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun falls into the approximate known serial range of E613000-E705000. This desirable example includes a U.S. government sales paper (DD Form 1398-1A dated 7/10/92) listing this shotgun by serial number as part of an eight gun sale of Model 1897 shotguns to an individual out of government inventory, verifying its authenticity. 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 it’s potent close range firepower. Features a six-hole handguard/ bayonet adapter with “PAT.APPL.FOR” on the right. 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. Cylinder choke marked barrel and receiver both stamped with a circled Winchester “WP” proof at the breech. The slide bar has the model and trademark information.
LOT 3308