Manufactured in 1942, this slide action shotgun has the standard takedown frame with a six hole hand guard/bayonet lug that are characteristic of most WWII Model 1897 Trench Guns. The receiver, barrel, magazine tube and hand guard have the Winchester commercial blue finish. The walnut stock and forearm have a varnish finish. The stock has a black checkered hard rubber buttplate with the Winchester logo in a circle. The left lower rear side of the receiver is roll marked with "U.S. and has a small Winchester circled "WP" proof on top. The barrel is marked on the left rear side "MODEL 97 - WINCHESTER - 12 GA./-TRADE MARK-" followed by "2 3/4 CHAM./CYL." and the right rear side is marked with the two line Winchester Factory address and patent date markings. The top of the barrel at the breech end is stamped with a small ordnance bomb proof and single Winchester WP oval proof. It is fitted with a standard 18 groove walnut forearm and low comb pistol grip stock stamped on the left side with a boxed "W.B./Crossed Cannon" cartouche. The bottom of the stock and bayonet lug are both fitted with a set of sling swivels.

Excellent with 95% of the original blue finish overall with some minor wear and scratches on the front edges/sides of the receiver by the takedown mechanism, some minor wear and handling on the edges and high spots overall, as well as on the lower magazine tube area. The trench guard screws are marred. The extremely fine stock and forend have a nice matching medium brown color overall with clear distinct cartouche with handling marks and medium pressure dents on the lower rear sides and under sides of the buttstock with a couple of larger heavier gouges on the sides of the pump handle. Mechanically excellent.