Make: Winchester

Model: 1897 Trench Gun

Serial Number: 669782

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1918

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4" Shells

Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Shotgun

Barrel Length: 20" Nominal, 20 1/4" Measured

Choke: Fixed Cylinder Bore

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead mounted to the bayonet lug assembly. The barrel is not drilled for a bead. The top of the receiver has a sighting plane.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a grooved slide handle, pistol grip, straight comb, inlaid sling plate in the belly and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The bottom of the grip is stamped "F". There are some scattered nicks and scratches. There is a more notable ding at the left-rear of the forend and a loss at the heel. The LOP measures 13 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn dried grease. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong with thinning at some edges. The most notable finish wear is on the trigger guard and receiver. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. There are some scattered light nicks and small scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The actions functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: After observing the Great War for the first three years, it became clear to the U.S. that serious close-range firepower was needed in trench warfare. The Model 1897 Trench Gun was an evolution of this idea. The pre-existing Winchester Model 1897 was modified by adding a perforated steel heat shield over the barrel which protected the hand of the user from the barrel when it became over-heated, and an adapter with bayonet lug for affixing an M1917 bayonet. They were so effective and brutal in combat that the German high command once announced they would execute any US soldier captured with one in his possession. The 1897 Trench Gun was also durable enough that it would go on to see service in the second World War all the way through to the Gulf War.

This example was produced Ca. 1918 and has correct features for a Trench Gun. Unlike many WWI 1897 Trench Guns, there are martial markings on this shotgun, the right side of the receiver has “U S” hand-stamped over a flaming bomb Ordnance mark. There has been no end of speculation among collectors as to the reason for unmarked trench guns, but it appears that there were many which were delivered too late to actually make it to the front lines. The end of WWI came as a shock to nearly everyone. At the time, most of the Allied powers believed that the war would continue for at least a few more years. The German offensive Operation Michael had just been halted and the Second Battle of the Marne, the first successful Allied offensive, was just starting. No one would guess that the war would end less than 6 months later. Consequently, there were likely many Trench Guns which had been produced and/or delivered which were never issued and simply remained in the government’s inventory. This example, however, has markings consistent with a gun delivered early enough to be inspected and issued.

The gun is in Very Good-plus condition, showing very little wear considering its age and service. This is a well preserved military 97 that will be tons of fun to shoot at the range and will be a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!