December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
Manufactured in 1917. This gun falls into the early correct serial number range for a US issue trench gun. The vented handguard has the correct s-rows with Pat. Appl For on right side of bayonet lug. The barrel protrudes the proper 1/2" from end of guard. Top of barrel and receiver has the PW proof stamp. Left side of barrel has the correct Winchester two line legend. The slide bar has the Winchester Model 1897 legend. Barrel has no US markings (correct for this era trench gun) The right side of frame at face has the hand stamped U.S. with flaming bomb (correct) The walnut stock has a plain pistol grip, (not fluted and no US stamps which is correct) and a black gutta percha Winchester butt plate with grooved round forearm. The sling is dated 1918. Finish is standard blue. All of these facts are confirmed on page 50-51 in the book "Combat Shotguns" by Canfield. The Winchester bayonet is stamped W and dated 1917 and comes with black leather sheath and tan canvas frog (not Winchester) CONDITION: Fine. The receiver shows about 80% blue on sides mixing patina on top, base and balance. Visible areas of barrel retains majority of thinning blue with sharp legends. Tube shows some strong blue at rear and retains majority forward of forearm. The handguard shows some strong areas of blue but majority of surface is patina. The stock is solid but has usual array of small abrasions from use. Forearm is excellent. Action is crisp and bore is extremely clean. A wonderful example of a battle used trench gun.