GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
WINCHESTER MODEL 1897 "RIOT GUN" WITH VENTILATED HAND GUARD AND BAYONET MOUNT. WINCHESTER 1897 683699 12 GA MODERN; C&R Cal. 12 ga. 20" rnd bbl, 3/4 magazine, ventilated handguard with bayonet mount, full blue finish, straight grain American stocks with pistol grip, grooved forearm and Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Bbl shows correct 2-line Winchester address and patent marks rolled on left side, followed by "12 GA." and "CYL" at breech. Top of bbl shows "WP" proof. Proof is also stamped on top of receiver ring to the left side. Bbl breech and receiver show prick punch hardness test marks next to proof marks. Right side of receiver also shows prick punch hardness test to rear of ejector port. SN is struck on forward bottom part of receiver. Sling swivels are mounted on buttstock and hand guard mount. Left side of hand guard is marked "PAT. JAN. 15 & MAR. 19. 1918". Actuator bar is marked "MODEL 1897 / WINCHESTER / TRADEMARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF". These riot guns were manufactured after WWI using surplus U.S. "Trench Guns" and sold to police departments. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl shows considerable amount of the orig matte blue finish with wear behind hand guard. Slide shows action marks. Hand guard has turned a plum/brown patina with considerable blue on bayonet mount. Brass bead front sight is very good. Bbl marks are sharp. Bore is bright. Mechanics are crisp. Receiver retains 80% bright blue finish with wear at the carry point and some scuff marks on top rear. Stocks are very good, full sized and show most of the oil finish with handling marks, scratches and dents. Buttplate is good and shows considerable wear, possibly from riding in a patrol car rack. 53094-117 TEP (2,000-2,500)