Winchester 1897 Trench Guns

[straightshooter]

These are a very rare and highly sought after model. With a rich provenance and almost unavailable, they command incredible prices. Because of this, generating fakes can be lucrative.

A word to the wise:

If you're in the market for one of these, educate yourself on the military stamps and cartouches that are found on genuine pieces. Learn, also, the production dates (the first units conceived and built 3 years after the start of the first world war).

Let the buyer beware...

 

[Shibby!]

I assume you are referencing the one for sale right now?

I don't know the ins and outs of the real trench guns, but my hair was standing up seeing the ad knowing it's very likely a fake and worth much less than half of what's being asked for (was $2800, now 2100... maybe worth 500-600?)

 

[Brutus]

I assume you are referencing the one for sale right now?

I don't know the ins and outs of the real trench guns, but my hair was standing up seeing the ad knowing it's very likely a fake and worth much less than half of what's being asked for (was $2800, now 2100... maybe worth 500-600?)

bingo

 

[Brutus]

I assume you are referencing the one for sale right now?

I don't know the ins and outs of the real trench guns, but my hair was standing up seeing the ad knowing it's very likely a fake and worth much less than half of what's being asked for (was $2800, now 2100... maybe worth 500-600?)

The biggest and most obvious flag the presence of, or lack of, the flaming bomb ordnance marking on receiver. Part 2 is arsenal mark on the butt stock. Part 3 IIRC, the serial number range.
Some 1897s that made their way to the SE Asian war got parkerized, but there are many that never were park'd (WW2) and came blued throughout.
And I am totally unschooled on maybe two types of heat shield over the barrel, including the use of two differing bayonets because of this?????

If I am incorrect or missing something, please, those better informed should correct me & I would welcome any significant input.

 

[straightshooter]

WWI vintage 1897 Trench guns were solid frame with 6 rows of air holes in the heat shield.
WWII vintage examples were take down and had 4 rows of holes in the heat shields.
All had the flaming bomb ordinance and US armoury stamps on the receiver, and are cylinder bore.
Serial numbers are in the range for pieces manufactured between 1917 and 1945.
AFAIK, the 1917 pattern bayonet was supplied with all versions.