WWII model 97 Trench Gun questions

Lets try again
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_66931-1.jpg

Hello All
I found a 97 I would like to buy and I have a 3day inspection. I have made a few observations: The blue finish is a Winchester commercial type and under a bright light you can see some subsurface orange color. I cannot see a date on the bottom of the barrel and I have not removed it. The spring screw that can be seen in picture #9 is a bit buggered. The ring on the end of the forearem looks like it may have been worked on. The WP on the top of the receiver has broken the finsh and bright metal is visible. The WP and the bomb on the barrel look to be struck after finish and they have some sort foggy look surrounding them.
This 97 belongs to a Retired General that bought it in 1955 at an Air Force base he was stationed in England. It was new and sold as surplus. There is quite a bit of paperwork proof that confirms the purchase and the history of the gun moving with him from base to base until his retirement. It is reported that there has been only a few shells fired through it and the condition does suggest that. Please check out the pictures and let me know what you think. Greg





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You did good! The color you see under the blue is correct, its called rust blue. It does look like it has been apart one time, the screws, a couple of small dings by the pins. But no problem!!! It doesnt get much better as far as condition. Look through the slide action bar side with flash light on other side, for barrel date. If its not on one side it should be on the other. Would be nice to know, if it is an early riot or late riot barrel?

Thank You
How far in front of the receiver is the date?

Its about a 1/2 inch + or - from receiver.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_6748-1.jpg

I have been looking in that area from both sides and I cannot find any sign of a date. Could it be under the receiver extension? What would be involved in removing the barrel or the mag tube to try to expose it? What is the s/n of your 97?
What would be the year of manufacture of this gun s/n959488 and is that info in Canfields new book? Thank You for the help. Greg

I think production was wrapped up in 43, and this is a late one. I guess it could be under there. In Mr. Canfields new book pg.124 it show a barrel off, the date is pretty close to the threds. I would not remove barrel to look for date.
My M97's
939,xxx/41
946,xxx/42
952,xxx/42
Barrel date is when barrel was made not when shotgun was. A riot barrel could be very early 40 or late?

OK I found the date. I am looking from the exact vantage point of your picture from the right side and the date is positioned perfectly under the collar the mag tube goes into looking past the witness mark on the barrel. I am using a magnifying glass and a small bright light and I blew some dust from that area witch cause some condensation and there it was. The 4 is clear but the secod digit is not fully visible. It has a rounded bottom and appears to be a three but looks like it could also be a 0. Is the manufacture date of the shotgun available by serial number?

Mr. Canfield states that most all serial # date tables are incorrect, off by years. The only thing we know is contracts were cancelled for M97 in march of 43, so it was most likley made in 43. The M12 trench was made into 44.

I think based on what I see here I will hold on to this one. I am going to ask the General to let me photograph him presenting the 97 to me. He has also given me a copy of his memoirs. Here is a link to his bio

http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=4629

He purchased this 97 in 1955 @ Royal Air Force Station Wethrfield England which jives with his Bio as far as him being there.

Thanks for the help Trench Crazy.