This is a fine example of a 1920s era, Winchester Model 1897 Riot Shotgun manufactured circa 1923. This was the standard pump action shotgun used by federal bank guards throughout the Midwest in the post-WWI hay-day of the gangsters and bank robbers. This example is boldly stamped on the left side of the buttstock with "PROPERTY/FULTON/COUNTY ILL./BANKERS FED". It has the solid frame and a 20 inch 12 gauge barrel marked for cylinder bore. The barrel has a brass bead front sight. The early style high comb stock has a black checkered hard rubber buttplate embossed with the round Winchester trademark. The pump handle slide is marked in three lines: "MODEL 1897/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S. PAT. OFF." The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line Winchester address and 1890-1910 patent dates followed by "12 GA". "CYL." is stamped on the left side of the barrel between the gauge marking and the receiver. The Winchester oval "W/P" proofmarks are stamped on the top of the barrel and receiver. The serial number "E721544" is roll-stamped across the bottom edge of the receiver. The barrel, magazine and receiver have the Winchester commercial blue finish. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut with a low-luster varnish finish.

Very fine with 85% of the original blue finish overall showing general handling and wear on the metal surface, obviously from actual handling and use. The very fine stock and pump handle both show 90% of their factory varnish with general light handling marks and scratches form use. Mechanically excellent. The buttstock stamping are deep and sharp. An interesting piece of Illinois history.