John,

I suspect that your Model 1897 is missing a serial number digit, or you omitted the leading digit that looks like an “L”.

Serial number 26351 was a solid frame Model 1893 shotgun.  Winchester introduced the Take Down variation of the Model 1897 in April of 1898 with the first serial number being 51389 (a “C” series gun).

Can you send me a clear picture of the serial number on your Model 1897?

Bert