winchester 1897 trench gun questions?

[MaxPrime]

Hi, I have a chance to get this Winchester 1897 and am trying to gather info it. I looked up the serial number and it seems to be a 1920-21 production. I hope someone could tell me if this is a trench gun or a riot ? It does have a 4 row heat shield and I noticed on the bottom of the grip is stamped a RA. Anyone know what that means?
Here are some pictures I took.
Thanks in advance.
Front and rear side


Serial#

cyl stamp

various side pics





bottom grip "RA" stamp

Buttplate

front heat shield

Information

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[mmppres]

I know it looks good to me but i know nothing of them but the powers to be will be along shortly keep us informed

[Tom Doniphon]

The serial number dates it to 1918, not 1920. So it was made during WW1 and is in the serial number range of the WW1 trench guns.

But it has a WW2 type heat shield and stock. And the butt plate is a replacement, although it is of the type that the Military often used as a replacement.

I can't tell from your photos if the finish is original or not.

It's possible that it was rebuilt at Raritan Arsenal (the RA mark on the stock), but there's probably no way to know for certain.

[MaxPrime]

Thanks Tom. One thing I forgot was I noticed there is no "US" or "flaming bomb" stamps on the gun. I guess that it is a civilian model? As for the finish. It is just plain bluing and doesn't look re-blued there is wear on the bluing in spots from age.

[browningautorifle]

There are dings in the right receiver that should be silver. They're blue so I'd suggest a re-blue. Also isn't the CYL a but weak for not reblued? Anywayzzz, a neutral background will help with pics. Don't use a white, use something a bit darker...like grey.

[MaxPrime]

Thanks BAR. It could be. If it was blued it was some time ago. I'll try to get better pictures.

I noticed I missed posting a "stamp" picture. Anyone know what this is?

[browningautorifle]

Those are the Winchester proofs. Those look good. The blue looks good on that pic by comparison. It could be good, but we'll need better pics. Tom Doniphon's the one you need here anywayzzz... From the look of those markings I'd say it has NOT been re-blued. They'd never stand up to polishing... Love to have it in hand to see for sure.

[MaxPrime]

Ok, I broke the gun down abit to get better pictures.
rear receiver stampings

under rear barrel and I noticed the "CYL" stamp is the same depth as the top one.


Barrel under the bayonet mount.


At any right I got the gun for $100 dollars. I just hope I didn't get ripped off.

[browningautorifle]

No, you did fine. Even if it was a complete forgery $100 is good...

[mmppres]

a good bayo is going to cost you more