In the included October 21, 1959 dated letter, Olin market manager W.E. Talley proclaims, "This will be the last M97 ever made and its number is 1023521." The letter is in response to Alan du Bois of Honolulu Sporting Goods Co., Ltd. request for a Model 97 at the end of the production run. According to Talley, the request was fulfilled because Product Service Department "found we could assemble one more Model 97 shotgun" and "this was absolutely the last one we can put together." Talley hypothesized that if this letter was retained, this shotgun "should be worth about $500" in 25 to 30 years. Single bead sight, 2 3/4 inch chamber, full choke, standard Winchester markings including factory oval proofs, 14-groove forearm, smooth pistol grip stock and plastic Winchester buttplate. Length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. Includes the original box.

Excellent overall, retaining 98% original blue finish showing minor cycling wear, minimal handling evidence and retaining most of the stock varnish with scattered scuffs and dings. The box is fine showing wear overall. Nearly all of the end label remains. Provenance: Robert E. Petersen Collection, Tom Selleck Collection and property of a gentleman.