October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
According to Campbell in the definitive book on combat shotguns, the World War I Model 97 riot guns fall into the 650,000 serial range and the US and flaming bomb stamps were applied prior to the bluing process. They were issued with guards or swivels and were finished in Winchester commercial grade blue. Of course, all are cylinder choke marked with a 20" barrel, grooved walnut forend and plain pistol grip stock. The bottom of the barrel and inside the frame both have the matching assembly number 701 while the barrel is also stamped 25604 next to the assembly number. The Winchester serial number reference places manufacture date at 1919. CONDITION: While the metal shows some wear, mostly on high areas and there are the normal handling marks but it is still a solid 90% plus gun. The wood is excellent but there is a small vintage repair at top of wrist. The bore is mirror bright and the action is crisp. Canfield states that the World War I era US marked riot guns are more difficult to locate than the trench gun which may not compare in value but indicates that examples such as this are difficult to find. DB