This is a good example of a scarce WWI Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun. The shotgun has the correct WWI style solid frame receiver, six-hole hand guard with narrow gauge wire sling swivel and the high comb stock, that was subsequently rebuilt for WWII or Korea. The serial number of this shotgun falls into the noted serial number range of the WWI issue M1897 Trench Guns. The right side of the hand guard/bayonet lug is marked: "PAT. APPL. FOR" above the sling swivel and the barrel has the typical two line Winchester patent and address markings are located on the left side followed by : "12 GA." and "cyl". The pump handle slide bar is correctly marked "MODEL 1897/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT.OFF.". A single oval Winchester proof is stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver and again on top of the receiver. The serial number is located on the underside of the receiver in front of the ejection port. The stock and slide handle are walnut and the stock as noted is a high comb version that has a smooth flat steel buttplate with no markings. The pump handle has a oil finish while the stock has a light varnish or tru-oil finish. Most WWI U.S. contract M1897 Trench Guns are not US marked, this model has been hand stamped with the US" and the Ordnance insignia on the right side of the receiver in front of the ejection port and the left side has also been stamped with 'S 27'. This Trench Gun is complete with a Winchester- made British P13 Bayonet with leather U.S. M1917 Scabbard.

Arsenal refurbished/subsequently assembled overall with most of the arsenal refinished parkerizing/blueing still remaining on the shotgun. Most of the wear is on the magazine tube, the front edges of the barrel and the hand guard/heat shield, the pump handle slide, the trigger guard, bolt, receiver the and the edges and high spots overall. The stock and pump handle have a varnish/tru-oil and oil finish respectively that show minor handling marks and pressure dents overall from actual use. The original screws that hold on the hand guard/heat shield have been replaced with some recent cap head screws and extra hole has been drilled through the bayonet lug (directly through the markings) for an extra sling swivel, (which is missing). The bayonet has nice clear sharp markings and has been cleaned but not sharpened with very good grips. The scabbard is also in good condition with a dark tone to the body of the scabbard with 80% of the green paint on the throat and tip. A nice representative example of a rebuilt WWI Trench Shotgun