Looking for an opinion on a '97 Trench Gun

I have been reading some other threads re: Winchester Model 1897 Trench Guns.....

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_11781-1.jpg

I have one marked Omaha Police Dept. The more I read the more I think this one was put together. I would welcome any opinions....

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_11791-1.jpg


https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_11801-1.jpg


https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_1181-1.jpg


https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_1182-1.jpg

Barrel looks to have had the original front site cut off and soldiered:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_1183-1.jpg

The only other marking on it is a "61" on the trigger guard.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_1184-1.jpg

Here are a few more pictures... Is there anything else you need or would like to see photos of?



Underside of barrel near muzzle:



https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_12571-1.jpg



Markings near breach on underside (L to R = 1 in triangle, VP in oval, W or M in Circle):



https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_12591-1.jpg



Underside of barrel near the end of the mag tube:



https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_12631-1.jpg

Looks like you have a Commercial Trench Gun, made in the 1930's for Civilian and police use. The police markings on the barrel are most likely authentic, and the absence of any Military markings support that it was a civilian gun. It has a left over WW1 vintage handguard, evident by the "Pat Appl For" markings on it, which is common for a gun of this vintage.

It looks like an honest Trench Gun with even wear on it, but not a military issue gun so the value is much less than if it had a nice "U.S." on it :)

Hope that helps you out.

Steve

Thanks Steve. I appreciate the "2 cents" :)

Do the commercial M97 trench guns have the two notches on the barrel for the barrel/mag tube band screws? I don't think any of my Military M97 trench guns do. Maybe someone with a commercial trench gun knows for sure.

And the notches on the barrrel for the bayonet adaptor don't look 70 years old to me.

A commercial gun in that serial range will most likely have a 2-digit date on the barrel, right above the mag tube close to the receiver.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sgt Rock

A commercial gun in that serial range will most likely have a 2-digit date on the barrel, right above the mag tube close to the receiver.

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Nothing else on the barrel but what I showed in the pictures.... no date :thdown:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG_12591-1.jpg

Looks like a later vintage riot barrel to me. The mag band 'pinch' marks and filled in sight bead hole are evidence thereof. Looks like the barrel protrudes a little far past the end of the handguard assy. also.
James B.

Thanks... I figured that it maybe a put together somewhere along the line....

The parts look original though....

Tom D. gave me info several weeks back on how to find date of mfg. I looked for months until he advised. Get a very good flashlight and look between the magazine tube and barrel where it connects to the receiver. It may have some dirt or crud in the gap , so shoot a little WD 40 through that area and wipe clean. I found my date of 42 ( ref to 1942). Mine is 20" cyl bore nothing to indicate it ever had a bayonet mounted. Will try to get a few photo's for the board to critique.

john in SC :wave: