jcochran1111
Member
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2010
- Messages
- 32
I recently purchased a Winchester 1897 Trench Gun. I researched what I could online, and found quite a bit of information, but I still have a few questions remaining.
To start off, I will describe the information I have found (the accuracy of which is dependent upon where I read it). The serial number is 684XXX placing the manufacture date in 1919 by some online sources, but other places I have read dispute this saying it would have been made during WWI. Any clarification and sources here would be appreciated.
The stock, barrel and slide markings, solid frame, US Ordinace stamp, missing barrel bead, and grooves in the barrel for the bayonet lug screws, all imply that the barrel, receiver, and stock are original. Any other indicators I could look for?
The two things I have had more trouble deducing are as follows. Firstly, the gun has been parkarized, but the quality, wear, and patina would suggest that it was done a long time ago - perhaps by the army in preparation for WWII or some other conflict? The magazine tube has not been parkaraized, which the individual selling it said was typical for military guns because they wanted the pump to remain working smoothly. Is there any truth to this, and if the army did repark it, are there any markings that should be present? Or exceptions?
The second thing is that I think the barrel shroud/bayonet lug may have been replaced. The parkarization on it looks fresher and the serial number is 7311XXX - much higher than the gun. However, the shroud has 6 rows of holes like the WWI orginals. Does anyone know when this shroud/lug was made? If not original, would the replacement have been done by the military?
I have attached a few photos, and can attach more as the need may arise. Any further information would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!
To start off, I will describe the information I have found (the accuracy of which is dependent upon where I read it). The serial number is 684XXX placing the manufacture date in 1919 by some online sources, but other places I have read dispute this saying it would have been made during WWI. Any clarification and sources here would be appreciated.
The stock, barrel and slide markings, solid frame, US Ordinace stamp, missing barrel bead, and grooves in the barrel for the bayonet lug screws, all imply that the barrel, receiver, and stock are original. Any other indicators I could look for?
The two things I have had more trouble deducing are as follows. Firstly, the gun has been parkarized, but the quality, wear, and patina would suggest that it was done a long time ago - perhaps by the army in preparation for WWII or some other conflict? The magazine tube has not been parkaraized, which the individual selling it said was typical for military guns because they wanted the pump to remain working smoothly. Is there any truth to this, and if the army did repark it, are there any markings that should be present? Or exceptions?
The second thing is that I think the barrel shroud/bayonet lug may have been replaced. The parkarization on it looks fresher and the serial number is 7311XXX - much higher than the gun. However, the shroud has 6 rows of holes like the WWI orginals. Does anyone know when this shroud/lug was made? If not original, would the replacement have been done by the military?
I have attached a few photos, and can attach more as the need may arise. Any further information would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!