Rusty Trench Gun Value

[norsk]

I have the opportunity to purchase a W1897 Trench Gun,in functional but rough cosmetic condition.The Gun is missing its Heat Sheild and Bayonet Mount.

Sn9300XXX It has "US" on the lt side of the Receiver and Cyl stamped in the Barrel.

Rough idea of value please.

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

So where's the rust? Looks OK to my practical-shooting non-collector eyes. But what I have learnt is that the "I only need an X and a Y to complete it" is usually an expensive self-delusion UNLESS you happen to have those bits on hand. Rust I can deal with, but missing bits are an expensive curse. In such cases the seller often claims that you can pick the bits up easily for 50 cents. Not true. Caveat emptor!

Patrick

[norsk]

Missing bits are missing bits,the main issue is what the gun is worth.Reproduction heat sheilds and Bayonet mounts are available.Even original Heat Sheilds and Mounts come up occasionally.The main question is what is the Gun Worth in this condition.

[emmagee1917]

A regular '97 shooter in this cond. would be around $250 , yes ? I would say , with the markings , around $3-400. Just depends what you want it for and if you have the missing parts in matching condition. I paid $1100 for an orig trench gun that had been rebuilt and refinished by a professional commercial outfit . It was all there except for the worn away markings and gave me a like-new shooter so that my orig. finished trenches could become more of safe-queen types .
Chris

[LimeyCarbineLover]

Norsk how did it end up in Norway ?

AMS in Belgium has original Winchester heat shields and handguards.

Am i right in saying guys that if it is an original trench gun it will have the 3 "threaded" retaining screws cuts in the barrel ?

Regards

Lloyd

[browningautorifle]

Yes that is correct, how is it AMS has shields in...Belgium??

[LimeyCarbineLover]

Yes that is correct, how is it AMS has shields in...Belgium??
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Jim i have no idea but AMS have a lot of surplus US weapon parts .....and did notice on a visit to the shop that they had correct early and late pattern heatshield handguards in the display cases.

Regards

Lloyd