Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun manufactured in 1942. This WWII configuration Model 97 Trench Gun has a takedown receiver with the second pattern, four-hole, hand guard. The shotgun has the Winchester commercial blue finish. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut with the Winchester low-luster varnish commercial finish. The second pattern handguard/bayonet lug has the correct heavy gauge sling swivel and lacks the patent markings found on the WWI bayonet lugs with six-hole handguard. The stock has a Winchester commercial style, black checkered hard rubber, buttplate embossed with the circular "Winchester Repeating Arms" logo. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line Winchester legend and "Model 97" designation followed by "2 3/4 CHAM./ CYL." The underside of the barrel is stamped with the date "42". Oval Winchester "W/P" proofmarks are stamped on the top of the barrel and the receiver. The serial number "E/953795" is stamped across the bottom of the receiver, and "953795" is stamped across the bottom of the takedown collar. A small Ordnance "Shell & Flame" inspection mark is stamped on the top of the barrel in front of the proofmark. A "U.S." property mark followed by a "Shell & Flame" mark are roll-stamped on the lower left side of the receiver. The left side of the stock is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection marks which consist of the block initials "G.H.S." within a rectangle above a small Ordnance escutcheon. The shotgun is fitted with a WWII production web sling with ink-stamped maker's initials and 1944 date. Model 97 Trench Guns were widely issued during WWII to all the services but saw the most combat use with the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater. These shotguns proved invaluable in close-quarter combat and remained in service, until after the Vietnam War. Most of the WWII Model 97 Trench Guns saw extensive service and most were subsequently arsenal overhauled and refinished. As a result, WWII Model 97 Trench Guns are scarce in original condition.