Hello,
I’m trying to identify my father’s oldest model 97. It is 12Ga. Unmarked choke but measuring with a dime, it appears to be modified. It was manufactured July or Aug 1898 and the steel butt plate was engraved “L.P.G 8/16/98”. It has a nice checkered walnut stock, matted groove on top of receiver, 30 inch barrel, and a grooved slide. My research is pointing to a tournament model. Did the early tournament models come with grooved slides or was this a replacement part? It has the older style slide with 3 exposed screws through the slide. If this isn’t the original slide, does anyone have a picture of what should have been on it? I was trying to attach photos but I’m not seeing that option. Serial # is 466##.
It would really help if you provided the complete serial number. If the serial number is in the 46600 – 46699 range, it is positively not a Tournament Gun. It could be a Trap Gun, but is should be marked as suck on the bolt.
As a Guest on the WACA website, you do not have the requisite access rights to directly upload pictures. You can post a URL to a photo hosting website or email them directly to me.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Puters2006 said
Bert,Serial number is 46636. I sent an email with a link to photos. Could it just have been ordered this way or is it more likely to be a frankenstein someone slapped together?
Per the factory records it was a 100% standard Field grade gun. Unfortunately, it is no longer factory original. It entered the warehouse on February 1st, 1898 and shipped (sold) on June 18th, 1898 to Order # 11317 with one other identical gun.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
1 Guest(s)
