This is a very desirable early WWII Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun as manufactured for the U.S. military circa 1942/43. These were used by both the Marines and U.S. Army throughout WWII and into Korea. This model has the early six-hole, perforated hand guard/heat shield with the bayonet lug mounted on the front. It is correctly mounted on the 20-inch barrel which has a bead front sight. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the standard two-line, model 97 markings followed by the Winchester legend and "2 3/4 CHAM./CYL"; while the right is marked with the Winchester two-line patent dates and factory address markings. The top of the barrel and receiver have the correct oval Winchester "W/P" proofmarks along with a small Ordnance Corp. "shell & flame" proof also stamped on top of the barrel directly ahead of the Winchester proofs. The lower left side of the receiver is correctly stamped with the large "U.S.". It is fitted with the standard Winchester walnut buttstock and pump handle with the varnish finish. The stock is fitted with the standard Winchester, black, hard rubber, checkered buttplate with the Winchester logo in the center along with the correct lower factory sling swivel. The left side of the stock is stamped with the early Ordnance inspectors boxed "W.B" cartouche over the "crossed-cannon" Ordnance corps final inspection mark. It has matching numbers on the receiver and barrel extension.

Excellent with 95% original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear overall with a small area pin-prick pitting, on the lower left side of the front edge of the receiver that has turned a gray patina. The reoiled stock is very fine with light handling marks and scratches mixed with light pressure dents on the sides of the stock. There are some small chips in the front edge of the pistol grip and on the underside of the stock in front of the buttplate. Some additional linseed/varnish has been added to the pump handle. The stock proofs are clear and sharp. Mechanically excellent.