This is an excellent example of a post-WWI era Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun. This shotgun falls into the very end of the noted serial number range for post WWI issue Model 1897 Trench Gun. It has the correct WWI style solid frame receiver, six-hole handguard and a high comb stock. The left side of the barrel is marked with the standard, two-line Winchester patent and address markings followed by "12 GA." with "CYL" stamped in front of the receiver. The top of the barrel and receiver both have a single Winchester "WP" proof stamped. As noted the barrel is fitted with a correct early pattern six-hole handguard/heat shield with the bayonet lug on the front end. The lug is not marked with the standard "PAT. APPL. FOR", indicating a very late production model. The pump handle slide bar is marked in three lines: "MODEL 1897/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT.OFF". It is fitted with a standard commercial walnut stock and pump handle. The stock has the early high comb and a smooth hard rubber buttplate with the Winchester logo in the center of the buttplate with no proofs or cartouches. The pump handle and stock both have a light varnish finish. The serial number (E712165) is stamped on the underside of the receiver. This late production trench shotgun is not "U.S." marked or proofed which was the case for most of these later trench guns. This beautiful example is complete with a Winchester- made British P14 bayonet and leather scabbard. The bayonet is only stamped with the circles "W" proof on the right side.

Excellent with 95% plus of the bright original blue finish overall with minor blue loss on the edges and high spots, the lower magazine tub, and the pump handle bar were the action has been cycled. The stock and pump handle are both in excellent condition with a nice matching dark brown color overall with only very minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is in very fine condition, and the scabbard is in fine condition. An outstanding Winchester Model 1897 Trench Shotgun.