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The gun has a blued barrel featuring a single bead sight at the end
of the full length matted sighting line, scroll engraving at the muzzle,
Winchester’s factory markings along with the “WP” proof, and wedges of
scroll engraving at breech accompanied by a gold band. The barrel has
2 5/8 inch chamber and a choke marked full and measured constriction
of .030 inches (full). The barrel hanger, action bar, and receiver extension
show matching engraving with gold inlaid linework around the “MODEL
1897/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK” on the action bar and the serial
number on the extension. The blued action displays absolutely stunning
scroll engraving encompassing panel game scenes on either side all
surrounded by fine gold inlaid line borders. The panel scenes depict a
setter and a pointer pointing at an in flight woodcock in a separate smaller
scene ahead of the dogs and the right has a pointer on point set to flush
a pair of quail in their own scene. The underside of the receiver features a
gold inlaid “W.F.S.” monogram just behind the serial number. The engraving
is unsigned, but given the gun’s age and extreme quality, it is highly likely
that the engraving was done by Winchester Master Engraver John Ulrich.
Comparisons can be made with a fabulous pair of J. Ulrich signed and
engraved and gold inlaid Winchester 1897’s sold by our firm as lot number
477 September 2016 as well as Winchester 1897 serial number 189948
(940 numbers apart from this gun) as photographed on page 271 in The
Winchester Book of Engraving by Wilson from the lauded A.I. McCroskie
Collection. The gun is fitted with a stunning feather crotch figured and
mullered border multi-point checkered slide handle and pistol grip stock
with a factory hard rubber grip cap and a Winchester red rubber recoil
pad. Included with the gun is a second matching numbered, engraved,
and gold inlaid 28 inch barrel with a choke marked full and measured
constriction of .024 inches (improved modified). Stock measurements: 1
11/16 inch drop at comb; 2 9/16 inch drop at heel; 13 15/16 inch length of
pull; weight 8 lbs. 6 oz.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine retaining 97% blue finish, light handling
evidence, some minor surface oxidation concentrated near the breech, and
a pair of scratches at the left rear of the receiver. There is a small hole and
small lines on the front grip strap; otherwise, there are light scratches on
the wood which shows sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The extra
barrel is also exceptionally fine and matches the shotgun extremely well.
This is a rare opportunity to own a factory highly embellished and gold
inlaid Winchester Model 1897!
Estimate: 50,000 - 85,000