This is a very fine example of a post-WWI commercial Winchester Model 1897 Trench shotgun. The serial number range of this example place the manufacture circa late 1922/early 1923, and the serial number indicates that this example is slightly outside of the documented U.S. contract Winchester trench shotgun. However, it is common knowledge that the U.S. Government purchased a few thousand of this model during that time frame for the military, state and Federal Police agencies and the Federal prisons. It is a standard 1897 takedown Model with the high-comb walnut stock, early six-hole pattern handguard/heat shield with the bayonet lug on the front end with the large bail sling swivel on the underside of the lug. The lug is not marked with any patent dates and the shotgun itself is not stamped or proofed with any U.S. Government markings. The stock is fitted with a black, hard rubber, checkered buttplate embossed with the Winchester logo in the center. The stock is fitted with a Winchester pattern lower sling swivel. The left side of the barrel has the Winchester factory two-line address and patent markings, followed by "12 GA." with "CYL." stamped in front of the receiver. It has the fixed (non-takedown) barrel assembly, so the serial number "703892" is stamped on the underside of the receiver only.

Very fine with 80% plus of the original blue finish overall showing light brown patina finish overall, with light blue loss on top of the receiver, exposed barrel and on the heat shield area. The pump handle and buttstock are both in fine condition with a nice medium brown color overall, showing general light handling marks, scratches or light pressure dents on the sides and underside of the buttstock. There is a very slight age crack on the center section of the buttstock directly behind the rear of the receiver. The factory markings are clear and sharp. A very nice looking, original early post WWI Winchester 1897 trench shotgun.