The "E" model which you have was the last model of the 97. It has improvements lacking on the C and D models. This places it somewhat later than 1910 I believe, but I'm not sure. But that doesn't matter. The 97 "E" remained in production into the 1950's.
The bluing on the 97 has always been unreasonably delicate. I wore the finish off of a 97 that I bought in the early 50's in just a couple of years of frequent use. If you see one with good bluing then it is an unused original that belongs in a collection and should not be shot or else it is a re-blue.
I have three 97's, including one with the English or straight carbine type stock. (Which is fairly rare on a 97 btw.) I have used them for everything for sixty years. None of mine have ever been to a gunsmith. They are great guns. Keep yours and cherish it. If you want to sell it, talk to me.
This is important. If you intend to use the gun, you must check it to ensure that it is chambered for 2 3/4. I know modern factory ammo will chamber in the gun, but modern ammo uses a star crimp rather than the shorter old fashioned roll crimp. Consequently, there may not be room in the chamber for the modern ammo to open without some constriction in the barrel. This leads to high pressures. A gunsmith can lengthen the chamber at very little cost. Finally, if your gun is indeed a 1910 model, I would restrict myself to the lower pressure, low brass ammunition. After all, the old girl is almost a hundred years old.
