Manufactured in 1918, this World War I era Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun falls into the approximate known serial range of E613000-E705000. This example is not U.S. martially marked. The Winchester 1897 was one of John Browning's many contributions to American sporting and combat arms, and in both the "trench" and "riot" configurations performed fine service for military and law enforcement users, seeing action as early as 1899 in the Philippines, and earning particular fame in World War I and World War II for it's potent close range firepower. Featuring a six-hole handguard/bayonet adapter with the original patent date marking at the left muzzle end. The barrel protrudes 1/2 inch ahead of the bayonet adapter, which is considered correct for a World War I era Winchester 1897 trench shotgun. Cylinder choke marked barrel and receiver both stamped with a circled Winchester "WP" proof at the breech. The slide bar has the model and trademark information. Grooved forearm and later production replacement smooth pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate. Faint remnants of markings stamped in the left of the buttstock. Length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. Reference page 50 of Bruce Canfield's book "Complete Guide to United States Military Combat Shotguns" for information on World War I era Winchester Model 1897 trench shotguns.

Very fine, retains 95% plus factory refurbished blue finish on the receiver and barrel assembly with some light handling marks. Heat shield portion appears to be a duller refinished blue finish with the bayonet lug retaining most of the bright original high polish blue finish. Replacement buttstock is very fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light scratches. Mechanically excellent.