This is an outstanding example of a Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun manufactured in c. 1943. This is the standard World War II production Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun with take-down barrel, four-hole handguard/bayonet adapter and Winchester commercial blue, finish. The straight grain walnut stock and forearm have the Winchester semi-gloss oil or varnish finish. The stock is fitted with a blued sling swivel and black, checkered, hard rubber, buttplate embossed with "Winchester REPEATING ARMS CO." in an oval. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped with the later style marking consisting of a roll-stamped "U.S." property mark followed by a small Ordnance Corps 'Shell & Flame' insignia. An identical Ordnance insignia is stamped on the top of the barrel. The left side of the stock is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection marks that consist of the initials "G.H.D." enclosed in a rectangle above a small Ordnance escutcheon. The bayonet adapter is, correctly, unmarked and fitted with a single nickel silver sight bead and thick wire sling swivel. The upper left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the Winchester legend: "MODEL 97-WINCHESTER- 12 GA./-TRADE MARK-" in two lines partially covered by the handguard. The two-line legend is followed by : "2 3/4 CHAM./CYL." in two lines. Oval Winchester "W/P" proofmarks are stamped on the top of the barrel and the receiver. The serial number "E/955224" is roll-stamped across the bottom of the receiver and "955224" is stamped across the bottom of the take-down adapter. The trench gun is complete with a World War II production russet leather sling. The Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun was extensively utilized in the Pacific Theater during World War II and remained in the Army and Marine inventory until the 1990s. This classic military shotgun is desirable in any condition. Examples of a World War II Model 97 in excellent, original condition are extremely scarce.

Excellent overall. This Model 97 Trench Gun is all original and remains in nearly new, as-issued, condition. The barrel, magazine, slide bar and hand guard/bayonet adapter 98% of the blue finish. The receiver also retains 98% of the original blue finish with several very insignificant storage scratches on the side of the receiver. The stock and forearm are in the same near-new condition and retains 98% of the original oil or varnish finish. The final inspection marks on the left side of the stock are perfect. The markings on the barrel and receiver are crisp. The M1907 sling is in excellent condition. This exceptional Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun is one of the finest examples of a World War II Model 97 Trench Gun ever offered for sale by the Rock Island Auction Company.