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WWII model 97 Trench Gun questions
Hello; I am in the market for a Winchester model 97 WWII Trench Gun and I am doing some research so I don't end up with one of the many fakes that Mr. Canfield says are out there. I have his most recent book and have been over the the 97 info a couple times. Two things I would like to make sure I am straight on. First; a 97 with the bead hole in the barrel filled with a brass plug is OK and considered original factory work and secondly; there should be no "W" and further no markings at all on the Hand guard adapters with the four row heat shield. Thank You for reading this post and also for any info you can offer. Greg
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03-19-2009 02:09 PM
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The late WW2 made M97 trench guns are the ones most often found with the filled in bead sight hole on the barrel.
You are correct that the four row heat shield on WW2 M97 trench guns are NOT "W" marked. Only the late WW2 parkerized Model 12 trench guns have the "W" marked adaptors. "W" marked adaptors were also used as replacements.
HTH
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Thanks Tom; What serial range is considered late?
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Sorry to be a nuisance but I have another question. I did read that the military markings on the later guns 950000+ were applied at the factory and I am wondering if all were applied before the finish or should some show bright metal because they were applied after?
Thanks
Greg
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No nuisance at all.
As to the WW2 M97 trench guns:
1. The "US" marking found on the left side of the receiver on the early guns, and the "US" and Ordnance Bomb markings found on the left side of the receiver on the later guns, were all applied before factory finish.
2. The Winchester proof marks on the top of the receiver and barrel, and the Ordnance flaming bomb on top of the barrel, were all applied after finish. So, these usually show some burnishing.
As to the WW1 guns: Some (a very few) have a hand stamped "US" and small Ordnance Bomb mark on the right side of the receiver. These were applied after finish. These WW1 guns also have the Winchester proof mark on the top of the receiver and top of the barrel. These proof marks were also applied after finish.
HTH
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Yes Tom the information is a big help. Now I need to start looking at as many examples as I can until I feel comfortable enough to buy. Thanks for your help and when I purchase I will post some pictures here with a full report.
Thanks
Greg
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Serial Numbers
I had a trench in the 936000 range which had a GHD stock, US and no bomb on receiver, and 6 row unmarked handguard. This would be a late-early gun, and anything above 936000 could be found with late features, such as the filled bead hole and four row adaptor.
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W.b. #939,000
I have a W.B., unmarked six row, U.S. and bomb on receiver. In the 939,000 range.