This Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun was manufactured in 1918 and subsequently was refurbished. This is a WWI production M1897 Trench Gun with distinctive solid-frame, high comb stock and six-hole handguard/bayonet lug. The right side of the receiver is hand-stamped with "US" above the Ordnance 'Shell and Flame' insignia just ahead of the ejection port. Only a few WWI production M1897 Trench Guns were stamped with "US" markings and Ordnance insignia. This shotgun was overhauled shortly before or during WWII and has a parkerized finish on the handguard, barrel, magazine and receiver. The stock and forearm have an oil finish. The stock is fitted with a black, checkered, hard rubber, buttplate with the round Winchester trademark in the center. The stock is fitted with a sling swivel. The bayonet lug has the correct thin wire sling swivel. The Ordnance over-haul mark, "RA-P" in a rectangle, is stamped on the underside of the stock behind the pistol grip. Most of the WWI production M1897 Trench Guns were apparently disposed of as surplus following WWI. As a result, WWII production M1897 Trench Guns with parkerized finishes and Ordnance over-haul markings are very rare. The right side of the bayonet lug is stamped: "PAT.APPL.FOR.". The slide bar is roll-stamped: "MODEL 1897-WINCHESTER-TRADE MARK REG.In U.S.PAT.OFF." in three lines. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line Winchester address and patent dates followed by "12. GA.". "CYL" is stamped on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. The oval "W/P" monogram proof mark is stamped on the top of the barrel and receiver. The shotgun is complete with a correct M1905 russet leather sling.

Arsenal refurbished. The shotgun retains 70% of the dull gray-green parkerized finish applied during Ordnance overhaul at the Raritan Arsenal (RA). There is some finish wear on the forward edges and top left side of the receiver. Some very light pitting is visible on the barrel and receiver beneath the parkerized finish. The Ordnance and Winchester markings are crisp. The stock and forearm are in excellent condition with only very minor handling wear. The Ordnance overhaul markings on the underside of the stock are crisp. This is a solid example of a rarely encountered U.S. marked, WWI production, Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun that was overhauled at Raritan Arsenal for service in WWII.