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July 18, 2025
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I\’ve got the opportunity to pick up what I believe is a late war production M97 Trench Gun. I\’ve been using Poyer\’s book as a reference and it all seems to match up. Correct serial number, markings, cartouche, etc. Even the filled sight bead is accounted for in there as late war models often had them removed and filled at the factory and it\’s in the range of serials known to be produced that way. Shows no sign of ever being in riot config that I can see. I\’ve linked some pictures of the relevant markings and areas. Can anyone confirm this is or isn\’t what it looks like? I\’m convinced and can\’t find anything to say otherwise so far. Thanks!
April 15, 2005
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I am not finding the link to the pictures?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 18, 2025
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Apologies, must’ve gotten stripped from the text somehow. Let me try again.
February 17, 2022
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I am no expert on trench guns, but the GDH looks a little to “nice” for a gun used it combat.
July 18, 2025
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oldcrankyyankee said
I am no expert on trench guns, but the GDH looks a little to “nice” for a gun used it combat.
Entirely possible it wasn’t. I believe this one would’ve been a late war model based on the serial and the barrel.
April 15, 2005
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The gun has been polished and refinished. Per the PR records, it was manufactured in March 1943. It most likely has a “42” dated barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 18, 2025
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Bert H. said
The gun has been polished and refinished. Per the PR records, it was manufactured in March 1943. It most likely has a “42” dated barrel.Bert
That’s what I thought after checking the serial. So this is the real deal, it’s just been cleaned up? What would you consider a fair price for it?
April 15, 2005
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tbaughn87 said
Bert H. said
The gun has been polished and refinished. Per the PR records, it was manufactured in March 1943. It most likely has a “42” dated barrel.
Bert
That’s what I thought after checking the serial. So this is the real deal, it’s just been cleaned up? What would you consider a fair price for it?
No more than $5,500.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 18, 2025
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Bert H. said
tbaughn87 said
Bert H. said
The gun has been polished and refinished. Per the PR records, it was manufactured in March 1943. It most likely has a “42” dated barrel.
Bert
That’s what I thought after checking the serial. So this is the real deal, it’s just been cleaned up? What would you consider a fair price for it?
No more than $5,500.
Seller wants $2k so I think I’ve gotta bite! Appreciate the information!
December 31, 2012
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Your pics show the gun to be parkerized or devoid of blue. Originals had a deep blue. Maybe it just the photo’s. Two grand is a good price. Attached
is a pic of mine. It too s a late gun. Later than yours. Big Larry
July 18, 2025
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Great looking shotgun! Yeah, I do think mine has been refinished. It’s more of a very dark, polished grey now vs the deep bluing on yours.
Which is fine, I don’t plan on ever letting it go as it’s one of my grail guns. Do you know if they were ever refinished at arsenal or was this likely done by a previous owner?
April 15, 2005
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tbaughn87 said
Great looking shotgun! Yeah, I do think mine has been refinished. It’s more of a very dark, polished grey now vs the deep bluing on yours.Which is fine, I don’t plan on ever letting it go as it’s one of my grail guns. Do you know if they were ever refinished at arsenal or was this likely done by a previous owner?
The various Arsenals did refinish guns that needed it, but they will usually have markings on the gun that identify the specific arsenal that rebuilt/refinished the gun.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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