Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1897, Trench Gun
Serial Number: 680754
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Pump Action Magazine Fed Shotgun
Barrel Length: 20" Nominal, 20 1/2" Measured
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
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 shallow groove for a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with 18-groove slide handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There is a sling plate mounted in the belly (the forward swivel is mounted to the bayonet lug assembly). The stocks have a few scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 14? 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 Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: The shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is thinning at the front of the barrel and on the bayonet lug assembly. The magazine tube shows operational wear and thinning at the rear where it rubs on the slide, and a small spot of wear at its front underside from rubbing on the sling swivel. The receiver shows finish wear and scuffing on its edges, its underside and trigger guard. There are light handling marks on the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action 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: Included is a Winchester 1917-dated M1917 Bayonet.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun made for the U.S. Military in 1918 during WWI. It is in the correct serial range with proper markings and features for this variant and production period. When the United States entered World War One, officers experienced in the Philippine Conflict knew the utility of the shotgun for close range trench warfare. The Army asked Winchester for a Model 1897 that would "slam-fire", or shoot repeatedly as one held the trigger and cycled the pump action. This necessitated the use of a heat shield on the barrel if one wanted to use the bayonet after he had rapid-fired the 6-round capacity. The "trench gun" was born.
This particular trench gun is stamped "F. FERREL SR." on the bottom of the receiver at the serial marking, associated with the owner of the Ferrel Foundry in Ansonia CT. Given its proximity to Winchester, they may have had some dealings with them during the war and it was not an uncommon practice to present various company officers with firearms as thanks for their help. This is a clean example and will make for a fun research project to track down whatever connections there may be between Ferrel Foundry and Winchester. Please see our photos and good luck!
