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March 31, 2009
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What do you guys think of this gun? Is it correct? I know it has something slathered over the finish and it has a crack in the stock.
December 31, 2012
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No. Pump handle is wrong and no pics of a cartouche in the stock. I cannot tell if the handguard has 4 or 6 rows of holes. It’s kind of beat up too. I myself would pass on it. Big Larry
March 31, 2009
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Big Larry said
No. Pump handle is wrong and no pics of a cartouche in the stock. I cannot tell if the handguard has 4 or 6 rows of holes. It’s kind of beat up too. I myself would pass on it. Big Larry
I missed looking for a cartouche on the stock. For my education what is wrong with the forearm? Is it the shape of the front? If I see this again soon I will count the rows. Thought I had taken enough pictures. How many rows should it have with this vintage?
December 31, 2012
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The pump handle appears to be a much later 50’s style. They are fatter and somewhat tapered. I am not quite sure how many rows of holes are in the heat shield. A 94xxxx Trenchgun would probably have 4 rows of holes. There also should be a GHD and ordinance wheel stamped into the stock. It probably has a 42 dated bbl. under the bbl a 6 O’clock. It takes a good light and sharp eye to see it. The gun itself was probably made in 1942 or 1943. Attached it a pic of an unaltered, new condition, M97 Trenchgun # 955552, which has been in my collection a few years. Is this something you are contemplating buying? How much? Big Larry
April 15, 2005
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Chuck,
I disagree with Larry… the slide handle stock on that Trench Gun is correct except for the added finish on it. Same goes for the butt stock. I do agree with him in that the gun in noticeably used condition, but that is what it should look like for a military weapon that was actually used. A WW II Trench Gun should not look like it is new or nearly new (at least in my opinion).
Per the serial number, that is an October 1942 production gun, and accordingly, the 4-row heat shield is correct. It should have a “GHD” cartouche on the left side of the butt stock, but with the refinish work on the stocks, it may have been sanded off or covered by the extra varnish.
The pictures below are high condition Model 97 Trench Gun (serial number 945419, September 1942 production).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Chuck-
Can’t tell you anything helpful about that 1897 but I like it. Looks like an honest old warhorse. I hope the cartouche shows up in the stock.
Mike
December 31, 2012
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Bert H. said
Chuck,I disagree with Larry… the slide handle stock on that Trench Gun is correct except for the added finish on it. Same goes for the butt stock. I do agree with him in that the gun in noticeably used condition, but that is what it should look like for a military weapon that was actually used. A WW II Trench Gun should not look like it is new or nearly new (at least in my opinion).
Per the serial number, that is an October 1942 production gun, and accordingly, the 4-row heat shield is correct. It should have a “GHD” cartouche on the left side of the butt stock, but with the refinish work on the stocks, it may have been sanded off or covered by the extra varnish.
The pictures below are high condition Model 97 Trench Gun (serial number 945419, September 1942 production).
Bert
Terrible picture. I am glad you saw it for what it actually is. 9-42 is my birthday. Want to do a trade? Big Larry
March 31, 2009
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Thanks guys. Here is a better picture of the forend. Should there be a P as well on the stock?
April 15, 2005
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Chuck,
To the best of my knowledge, the “P” parking was not used on the Model 97 Trench Guns.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
There should be an ordnance bomb mark on the top of the barrel next to the receiver. If the finish is original, there will be burnishing around the mark.
March 31, 2009
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This gun went up for auction last week. I did not buy it because I wanted another extremely rare Colt 1900 semi auto. After checking the shotgun out it was all original, except the finish on the wood. It hammered for $2,100 which I thought was a good deal.
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