This Winchester Model 1897 Riot Gun was manufactured in 1918. The Riot Gun has a blue finish with take-down frame and varnished walnut stock and forearm. The high comb stock is fitted with a black, checkered, hard rubber stock with round, embossed Winchester logo. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the elongated, two-line, Winchester address and patent dates followed by "12 GA.". "CYL" is stamped on the left side of the barrel just in front of the receiver. The slide bar is roll-stamped: "MODEL 1897/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF." in three lines. The oval Winchester "W/P" proof mark is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver. The serial number: "E/669755" is roll-stamped on the underside of the receiver and "669755" is roll-stamped on the underside of the barrel. The Riot Gun has no military markings and there is no indication that this shotgun is a military riot gun. However, some Winchester Model 1897 Riot Guns were purchased by the military during WWI. Most military Winchester Model 1897 Trench Guns are in the E613000-E705000 serial number range.

Very fine. The shotgun retains 75% plus of the original commercial blue finish. The receiver has some scattered age spotting and the blue finish on the receiver is thinning with high point edge wear. The blue finish on the action bar and take-down attachment has faded to a dove-gray patina. The barrel and magazine have most of the original blue finish intact. The stock and forearm are in very good condition and retain at least 85% of the original varnish finish with moderate handling wear. This is a very fine example of a 1918 production Winchester Model 1897 Riot Gun.