1897 trench gun value

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MinuteOfDonut

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Hi all,

I've got the opportunity to purchase an all original, matching (w/matching bayonet) Winchester 1897 trench shotgun. It has the usual bumps and bruises as well as a light patina over the entirety of the metal. I don't know what year it is from (I will try to find out), as I have yet to actually handle it.

My question is what is the approximate value for a shotgun in this condition? If year of production is a huge factor, please give me some estimates for different years and I will try to find out when it was made ASAP.

Thanks,
Tom
 
There was one at the gun show in Chilliwack last month that wasn't in the greatest shape (I would give it about 6/10) and he was asking $3500 for it. He said the only reason he was selling it was because he found a mint one for $5000. I believe both were WW1. There were also two reproductions there going for around $1000 each. I have no idea if these prices are out of whack or not but it's all I've seen for sale.
 
Last one that I saw was in decent condition with bayonet for $3000.00. That was 2 years ago in the gun library at the South Edmonton Cabela's. It sat there for quite a few months before it sold or was transferred to another store.
 
Most of these shotguns are a bit rough as they came from Vietnam (IIRC) as surplus many years ago, I bought one at that time ,1999, and wish I could have afforded a few more as they were $450 back then. They are very interesting pieces and look awesome with the bayonet fixed.
 
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http://www.winchesterguns.com/conte...ture-Dates-by-Year-2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf

That should give you the date if you know the s/n. It won't confirm if it is an actual trench gun or a hunting/riot gun modified to look like one; for that you need to take the time and examine all the markings. you may want to get a book like this one to go over the details, it would suck spending that much money and find out it is just a field gun with a shroud slapped on it

https://www.amazon.com/Winchester-Trench-Combat-Shotguns-collectors/dp/1882391020
 
Value is relitive to what some one will pay, I really wanted one and paid $6325usd plus import cost for this one that basically can't be upgraded with sling and bayo

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1476385-Model-1897-trench-gun

Now not all are going to be worth that but I wanted a flawless no bs example. Theres lots of forgeries, fake stamp cartouches, refinished and messed with guns out there. Good luck
 
The one that I'm looking at is a 1948 example if the serial number charts are to believed (943###). The asking price is $2200. Maybe I'll wait and see. Thanks for all the input!
 
Hi,

Unfortunately asking us for a value on this gun is essentially impossible without really good detailed photos.

We could tell you it's worth $5000 but what you may end up with may only be worth $800-$900.

This is sort of like asking a mechanic what a car is worth without him seeing it.

Regards,
-Steve
 
I would post pictures, but unfortunately I don't have access to it yet. I've basically decided at this point not to buy it. I was looking for a WWI example and just found out this is from WWII.
Thanks again for the input.
Tom
 
I have the civilian one in 8/10 shape but it was my Great grandfathers and not for sale. Loads rounds better than any pump that I have used, the trigger is a hair trigger.
 
Two things to consider when dealing with these Trench Guns:

- LOTS of fakes/forgeries/clones/reproductions/whatever you want to call them around. Some were done to be "place holders" in collections until originals came along, while other were made to be stricly passed off as originals. Do plenty of research first.

- The American milsurp market is NOT the same as the Canadian milsurp market: just because something is worth $5000.00 in the U.S. does not mean it is worth the same in Canada. Some people tend to confuse the two....
 
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