1897 Trench/Riot Gun Authenticity Question

hermn8r

hermn8r

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I've recently taken a Winchester 1897 on trade. The owner didn't know whether it was an authentic trench/riot gun or whether a run of the mill '97 had been modified to look like one, and based on the pictures/info he was able to give me I didn't either. Regardless I figured I'd take a chance on it seeing as I'm a big 1897 fan regardless. It's currently on it's way to me by mail so I figured I'd pick everyones brain here before I get it.

I was told it's got a 12 gauge, 20" barrel, serial number 555xx, and from the pictures the bayonet lug and shield looked proper. I know the bayo is a repro. I'm unsure of any other markings (military or police) on it but I'll find that out when it arrives.

Based on this limited info and the few pictures I'm attaching, can anyone tell me whether I'll be getting an authentic trench gun, riot gun, or just a regular 1897 that's been modified to look like one? My hopes aren't up but that nagging in the back of my head is questioning whether I'll be getting lucky on this one.

Thanks in advance,
Adam

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once you get it the barrel should measure 20 1/2 using a rod down the barrel ,barrel should have CYL on the chamber ,hand guard looks right 29 holes and then there will be the US ad bombs on it and inspector cartouches on the butt

most are takedowns and yours is a solid frame
 
Great, thanks guys. I have a feeling it won't have those markings (there's probably a reason he only posted pictures of one side). Regardless it's a cool piece. I appreciate everyones input
 
hermn8r said:
Great, thanks guys. I have a feeling it won't have those markings (there's probably a reason he only posted pictures of one side). Regardless it's a cool piece. I appreciate everyones input
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I agree you have a beauty looking shotgun! Dont worry about authenticity and just enjoy it :)
 
Shotgun came in today. Full choke and no flaming bomb stamp so looks like it was made to look like a trench gun. Still a very cool gun to me regardless. One last question, am I wrong in assuming the heat shield and bayonet lug are original trench gun parts or would those also be repro's?
 
the 19 hole /4 row to my understanding was the end of production and the 29 hole /6 row was what they were first started with .Would guess since the shot gun is cut down possibly be a repo from Sarco ,IMA , or ?

would have fun with it for what it is ,and way nicer than the chinesium copys
 
These are about the only shotgun I am ever really interested in. Wish a company would make a actual reproduction one of these.
 
I'm kind of curious as to the value as well. As much as I'd like to keep it, I just came across a few others that are higher on the wish list so I think I'll be posting it. Going to do a little research first and see what kind of fair value I can come up with.

Thanks again for the info everyone, much appreciated.
 
Condition and function are most important. 300 for the shotgun and about 100 for the added heat shield. IF the heat shield and bayonet lug fit well and can be proven real add more to the price. Could ask 500 and see what happens.
 
A good way to tell a Great War Trench gun from a World War 2 gun is what type of 97 it is. Most WW2 guns are Take down while ALL WW1 guns were solid frames I collect 1897 Winchesters and while I dont personally own a real US Military issued Trench gun, I have seen MANY fakes. Its quite sad but its very easy to see why people make fakes. For every one legit Trench gun there is probably 10 fakes.
 
Flaming bomb or not it's still a great piece to own! I think there is one at Ellwood Epps. Saw something similar on a rack on Wednesday, didn't ask to look at it though.
 
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