M1897 Handguard Authenticity

The Model 97 experts here have been helpful to me in the past, so I thought I'd float this question to the group:

When examining a purported "original" early WWII configuration M97 (6 hole handguard, WB stock, '41 bbl), would the LACK OF a patent stamp on the left side of the handguard barrel enclosure be cause to question the authenticity of the handguard?

Canfield states early production WWII handguards should be "similar, if not identical to, the WWI variety." He also states in the WWI section of his book that all later model WWI 6-hole handguards have the "PAT.JAN.15 & MAR.19.1918" stamp on the left side of the barrel enclosure.

So, the question being, has anyone seen a known-original example of a early WWII M97 with a 6-hole handguard lacking the patent stamp? If not, are we to assume that such an example would be a replacement/incorrect handguard?

Thanks guys. I know this is an 'in the weeds' question, but as we all know, the devil's in the details.

--David

Pics would sure help, nice clear ones...

Hello David,

The WW2 Model 97 trench gun bayonet adaptors, both the 6 hole and later 4 hole ones, are unmarked. Only the WW1 adaptors are marked with either a patent applied mark or the 1918 patent date. When Mr. Canfield says the early WW2 adaptors are "similar" to the WW1 adaptors, he means their shape and number of holes (6) in the heat shield. He is not referring to the markings. So one should expect to see no markings on a WW2 97 trench gun with its original bayonet adaptor.

Tom,

Thanks very much. That was exactly what I needed to know. Bravo Sir! I love this forum.

I am curious though, having watched a number of M97s go at creditable autions (Rock Island, specifically) with said patent markings on the 6-hole WW2 guns, if that means I've seen several high dollar guns sell with non-original handguards...

Hmm... makes me feel better that I didn't get them. : )

--David