This is an exceptional example of an original WWII U.S. contract Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun manufactured in 1943/44. This shotgun has the high polish Winchester factory blue finish on the receiver, barrel and hand guard/bayonet attachment with the varnished stock and forearm. The black plastic butt plate is checkered and embossed with the round Winchester logo. The shotgun has the take-down barrel and low comb stock that are characteristic of WWII production Model 1897 Trench Guns. The hand guard/bayonet attachment is the four-hole pattern with heavy wire sling swivel fitted on the rear of the bayonet attachment. The barrel has the original front sight bead removed and milled flush at the factory to accommodate the hand guard/bayonet attachment. The underside of the barrel is dated "42" and the left side is roll-stamped with the two line Winchester Model 1897 factory markings followed by "2 3/4" over "CYL.". The right side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line Winchester patent dates and the top of the barrel and receiver have the correct circled Winchester "W/P" proof mark along with the US Ordnance flaming Shell proof . The lower left side of the receiver is roll stamped with the "U.S." and Ordnance Corps 'Shell & Flame' insignia. The left side of the stock is stamped with the ordnance final inspection marks that consists of the boxed initials "G.H.D." over a small Ordnance Corps cross-cannon proof. This shotgun is complete with an original early Pattern 14 Winchester bayonet and scabbard. The lower section of the bayonet blade is marked "1913/3-17/W" and the obverse is marked with two British proofs that are a Crown over WB/A and 35/A respectively with a British Broad Arrow proof. The scabbard the correct red leather pattern with the blued metal tip and throat. It also has a standard unmarked green canvas sling.

Excellent overall with 99% of the original blued finish with just some minor edge and high spot wear. The Winchester factory markings and military proof marks are clear and sharp. The stock and hand guard are also both in excellent condition and show only minor handling marks in a couple of places. There is also a minor stress crack in two places; one at the very front edge of the butt stock on the lower right side that fits next to the receiver and the other one directly behind the trigger guard. The stock cartouches and proofs are clear and sharp. The pattern 14 bayonet is also in excellent condition with clear sharp markings with no wear on the blade with 98% of the original blued finish. The leather scabbard retains most of it's color with scuffs and scratches in a few places. Just a beautiful example of a scarce original WWII Winchester 1897 trench shotgun rig.