This is a fine example of a post-WWI Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun manufactured at the very end of 1919 or early 1920. It has the correct WWI style solid frame receiver, six-hole handguard with narrow gauge wire sling swivel, and the high comb stock. The shotgun falls into the generally accepted serial number range of approximately E620000 to E730000 for WWI US Army contract trench shotguns. This example is not "US" surcharged, but most WWI trench shotguns were not originally stamped with the a "US" marking. Most that are were restamped after WWI while being stored in one of the Army depots. These were also sold as commercial shotguns by Winchester, so we cannot guarantee it to be an actual "U.S." purchase. The left side of the bayonet lug portion that surrounds the barrel is marked: "PAT. Jan. 15. & Mar. 19. 1918," and the barrel has the typical two-line Winchester patent and address markings located on the left side followed by "12 GA." and "cyl". The pump handle slide bar is correctly marked "MODEL 1897/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT.OFF." A single oval Winchester proof is stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver and again on top of the receiver. The serial number (E686965) is located on the underside of the receiver in front of the ejection port. The stock and slide handle are walnut, and the stock, as noted, is an unmarked high comb version that is fitted with an original Winchester black plastic buttplate with the Winchester logo in the center. The pump handle and stock have an oil finish, and it is complete with a Kerr 1917 pattern no buckle web sling. The length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. Comes with a U.S. 1917 dated Winchester bayonet and scabbard, a M1917 shotshell pouch dated 1918 on the inside of the flap, one box of 25 shells of 12 gauge Winchester 00 buckshot, one sealed box of 10 shells of 12 gauge Remington 00 buckshot and one sealed box of 10 shells of 12 gauge Olin 00 buckshot.

Fine with 70% plus of the original blue finish remaining overall, edge and high spot wear, and more blue wear/browning and finish loss on the sides and top of the receiver and magazine tube. The sides of the receiver showing several areas where there is a small amount of pitting on the raised scalloped edges. The right side also shows a heavier spot, about the size of a dime where something impacted the receiver and left a shallow dented area. The stock has a darker oil finished look with a slightly lighter color on the pump handle itself. They are also in fine condition overall with the buttstock showing numerous small handling marks and light scratches from being in a rack. The sling is also in good condition. The other accessories are fine.