This is an all original World War II U.S. Army contract Winchester Model 1897 Trench Shotgun that was manufactured in 1943/44. These were heavily used in the early days of WWII especially by the USMC during jungle fighting where they proved to be an excellent close combat weapon. The left side of the receiver is stamped with "U.S./Ordnance Bomb" proof with circled "WP" proof on top front edge. The barrel has the standard two-line Winchester factory markings on the left side followed by "2 3/4 chamber/CYL" and also has the correct "US Ordnance bomb" proof along with the Winchester circled "WP" proof. The barrel is fitted with the correct late pattern 4-row metal heat shield/handguard that has the bayonet adapter/lug and wire bail sling swivel on the front end. It is fitted with an 18 groove round walnut pump handle and low comb walnut pistol grip stock. The left side is stamped with a with a boxed "G.H.D." and Ordnance Dept. Crossed Cannon cartouche. The stock has a black plastic checkered plastic buttplate. Length of pull is 13 1/2 inches. It is complete with WWII style leather sling, marked "MILSCO 1943".

Very fine as partially modified (stock toe) condition with 90% of the original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear and finish loss on the magazine tube and slide portion of the pump handle. The top of the receiver, barrel extension and right rear edge of the receiver all show several small spots where the blue has flaked off and now show some very fine pin-prick erosion or pitting. The stock and pump handle both show light handling marks and scratches with a clear cartouche. The very bottom area of the stock and buttplate have been modified by trimming the toe away slightly. A very nice all original WWII Winchester Model 1897 Trench Shotgun.