Gun Collectors Dream Auction #87 General Gun Auction
Lot 321:
Description
This is a single Winchester Model 1897 pump-action shotgun chambered for 12 gauge. The firearm is configured with a 32-inch barrel featuring a fixed full choke and a single brass bead front sight. The metal finish exhibits significant thinning and wear throughout, with the original bluing having transitioned to a mottled brownish-gray patina across the receiver, barrel, and magazine tube. The furniture consists of a ribbed walnut forend and a smooth walnut pistol grip buttstock, both displaying a glossy finish and minor handling marks consistent with its age as a vintage field gun. It is equipped with an external hammer and a black checkered composite buttplate bearing the manufacturer’s logo. Verbatim markings on the top of the barrel include MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. / PAT. NOV. 25. 90. DEC. 6. 92. JULY 21. 96. FEB. 22. 98. JUNE 14. 98. OCT. 16. 1900. followed by 12 GA. The left side of the barrel near the receiver is stamped FULL. The action slide is marked MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK. The underside of the receiver is stamped with the serial number 429702 below the letter E. Note – All firearms require a federal 4473 background check.
Condition report:
The shotgun is in good vintage condition. The metal surfaces show extensive thinning of the original blued finish, now presenting as a mostly even mottled brown patina with some scattered light surface oxidation and minor scratches. The walnut stock and forend remain structurally sound with scattered small dings and shallow scratches; the glossy finish appears to be an older professional refinish. The checkered composite buttplate shows moderate wear to the edges and texturing. The pump action appears to function smoothly and the hammer holds at half and full cock, though we have not function-tested this firearm. The bore was not inspected.
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