Winchester Trench Shotgun

[Military Trader]

A local guy e-mailed me a picture of a model 1897 winchester (he says 1904 date) he wants to sell. He said it is a WW1 a trench shotgun -- I asked him if it had any US marks and a bayonet lug. He e-mailed me back that it had a US ex mark and he didn't know if it had a bayonet lug or not -- the pictures don't seem to show a lug. Also it is in poor condition (at least the stock for sure). It does however fire.

Anything I should look for? I know these existed but I also know people try to make plain shotguns look like a trench gun. I would think a WW1 gun would have several US marks. Also would'nt they for sure have the bayonet lug (unless it was ground off)?

He wantd me to make an offer as he has no idea of price but really I don't either.

In a couple of hours I'll post the pictures he sent me if that will help.

Thanks in advance

Dennis

[Military Trader]

Photos

[Military Trader]

2

[Johnny Peppers]

I think he is pulling your leg about it firing. It is missing some important parts, and I don't think the stock would hold up to firing. That is not even a good parts gun.

[Matt]

Trench gun

I was thinking the same thing! This thing is missing most of the "trench gun" components but if you get it for the right price (under $100) you can restore it back to original. Granted it will be a restored shotgun but it will be fun to shoot.

[Military Trader]

Thanks -- looks like even if a US trench gun $50 -$75 might be the limit

[Johnny Peppers]

So far there is nothing to indicate that it was ever a trench gun, and you would have to spend more on restoring it than it would ever be worth.

[slade007]

Need to see if the right side receiver is stamped with the US cartuche. I see nothing in the photos to tell me it is whats left of a trench shotgun M97. It is most likely just the riot gun version of the M97. $50.00-$75.00 is about correct for the poor condition regardless.