April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This trench gun falls directly into the World War I US trench gun serial range, in addition left side of stock is stamped "OG" in box, which is the Ogden Arsenal rebuild stamp showing that this shotgun was in the military system, validating World War I military usage. 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. 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 checkered steel Winchester logo buttplate which is not common for a trench gun but may have been applied when rebuilt. Has 18 grooves on forend. Factory research states serial number applied May 31st, 1918; no other information available. CONDITION: As rebuilt. Original handguard has turned all brown patina. Barrel has a dull blue refinish. Rear of tube is a blue-grey patina. Frame retains approximately 90% commercial high polish blue with high edge wear and storage marks. Trigger guard is freckled. Stock is very good, proud to metal with no cracks at wrist. Bottom of tube has no serial number; probably replaced and rebuilt. Fine bore and action. It is probable that this gun was used in both wars, as we know it was in the government arsenal, and refurbished for reissue.
Paperwork
Factory Research