Quote Originally Posted by Sigtrig View Post
Checking on a family members 1897 shotgun for authenticity. No bayonet lug, no heat shield; and has Win. Marks, Model and dates. Serial numbers (204258; possibly a ‘C’ prefix?) match on bottom of receiver and barrel, & would put it in the 30’s if real?. Small surface rust just inside chamber that oil and wool can get rid of and overall very nice bluing still. Winchester info with list of pat. dates on top of shotgun barrel ; and ‘12’ by base of barrel top. ‘Cyl’ on left side of barrel base. Left pump strut lists ,Winchester Model 1897’ Trouble listing pics. Thanks for the coming education!
Your family member’s Model 1897 shotgun with “C” serial number prefix was made in 1903. It should have a buttstock with a rounded pistol grip bottom, and the slide handle should be the type that has three visible screws.

How long is the barrel?