April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This trench gun falls approximately 826 numbers off the World War I US trench gun serial range. It has no US markings of any kind with a proper hand guard with January 15th and March 19th, 1918 patent date on left side, with no patent applied for on right side. Barrel extends the proper 1/2" beyond guard. Handguard has six rows of ventilation holes. Thin wrist, high comb, non-fluted stock with pistol grip. Canfield notes that most of the Winchester 1897 trench guns manufactured under World War I US Government contracts were not stamped with martial markings, which means this shotgun may have been made for the military, guard units, or civilian guard guns; there is no way to determine. Top of barrel and frame have the "PW" stamp. Left side of barrel stamped "CYL". Pump arm has the "WINCHESTER 1897" stamp. Proper solid frame. Barrel with patent stamps and "12 GAUGE". Walnut stocks with Winchester logo buttplate. Has 18 grooves on forend. Factory research states serial number applied January 6th, 1919; no other information available. CONDITION: This shotgun has areas of wear from pump and some scattered handling marks, but retains full 95% of the high polish Winchester blue finish. Stocks are excellent with a few dings and some minor stress cracks at wrist. Appears to be in near mint, barely used condition. Mirror bore and fine action. Beautiful trench gun with possible attribution to US military or as a guard gun.
Paperwork
Factory Research