Up for auction is a rare, museum-grade piece of American firearms history: an authentic, original factory blueprint schematic from the legendary Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Dated July 2, 1941, this industrial cyanotype details the Barrel and Magazine Assembly for the iconic Winchester Model 1897 (Model 97) 12 Gauge Shotgun.
This stunning piece of history was drafted just months before the United States entered World War II, making it a vital historical record of the weapon that served heavily as the feared military "Trench Gun" and "Riot Gun."
Item Specifics & Dimensions
Company: Winchester Repeating Arms Co. (New Haven, Conn.).
Firearm Model: Model 97 (1897) 12 Gauge Shotgun.
Component: Barrel & Magazine Assembly.
Date of Drafting: July 2, 1941Medium: Authentic Industrial Cyanotype (Blueprint) on paper.
Exact Dimensions: 12" Inches x 36.5" Inches (Panoramic Technical Draft).
Condition Report & Provenance.
Overall Condition: Very Good historical condition with excellent eye appeal.
Factory Artifact Details: This is a true working factory asset. It features two original, vertical factory fold creases designed to allow the large panoramic sheet to fold neatly into a standard-sized factory technical binder or blueprint book.
Wear Noted: The two original binder holes used to secure the schematic inside the factory ledger have torn through from historical handling and use. This wear is completely consistent with an active, working factory document.
Visuals: Features crisp, clear white drafting lines against a deep, vibrant Prussian blue background. Light, natural age-toning. No major stains, heavy soil, or modern damage.
Key Features & Noted Annotations: Official Company Title Block: Fully visible in the lower right-hand corner, displaying the exact drafting dates, and engineer/checker validation initials. Hand-Drafted Annotations: Features beautiful, sharp technical notes, including "Solid Frame Magazine Plug" and "Only crosscut for Magazine Blade Screw.".
Display Potential: The unique 12" x 36.5" panoramic dimensions make this an extraordinary centerpiece for display in a gun room, office, library, or man cave. The minor hole wear can easily be hidden by standard custom framing or matting.
